Inventive Chartered Accountants for Game Developers in the UK
ABM Chartered Accountants provides expert accounting for game developers across the UK, from indie studios to scaling development companies. Our ICAEW and ACCA qualified team handles VGTR and VGEC claims, development cost capitalisation, per-game reporting and tax planning for game businesses and individual developers.
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What Our Clients Say About Us
Hundreds of businesses across the UK trust ABM Chartered Accountants for reliable, expert, and genuinely personal accounting services. See why clients rate us as their most trusted financial partner.
Accounting Built for Game Development Studios
Game developers face accounting challenges that general accountants rarely handle. Video Games Expenditure Credit claims, BFI cultural certification, development cost capitalisation, per-game profit reporting and publisher royalty accounting all demand advisors who know how game studios develop, launch and monetise.
ABM Chartered Accountants works with indie studios, mobile developers, console teams, VR creators and scaling game companies across England, delivering structured financial support for game businesses and individual developers. Every VGEC claim, tax return and filing is handled accurately.
Helping Game Studios Claim Tax Relief Correctly
Game studio founders need more than basic compliance. ABM Chartered Accountants prepares VGEC and VGTR claims, BFI applications, development cost schedules, per-game accounts and tax planning, giving studios clear visibility over qualifying expenditure, cash credits and available reliefs.
Whether you run an indie studio, a mobile game company, a multi-title operation or a scaling development business, our ICAEW and ACCA qualified team adapts to your setup, keeping the business and individual developers covered on corporation tax and reliefs.
Our Accounting Services for Game Developers
We offer a full range of accounting, tax and advisory services for game developers, designed around the demands of VGEC claims, development costing and game studios operating across the UK.
Accounting Solutions
Expert annual accounts, year-end reporting, and accurate financial statements for UK businesses.
Bookkeeping
Cloud-based bookkeeping with Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage to keep accounts accurate.
Corporate Tax
Corporation tax compliance, computations, and strategic planning for UK companies.
VAT
VAT registration, quarterly returns, and Making Tax Digital compliance for UK businesses.
Payroll
End-to-end payroll, PAYE, RTI submissions, and pension auto-enrolment managed on time.
Audit & Assurance
Compliance, investigation, stock, and tax audit support for confident financial reporting.
Business Advisory
Cash flow forecasting, growth planning, and advisory support for confident decisions.
Company Formation
Fast UK company formation, Companies House registration, and full HMRC tax setup.
Management Accounts
Monthly or quarterly management accounts with KPIs, variance analysis, and clear insights.
Why Game Studios Choose ABM Chartered Accountants
Sector Expertise
Strong grasp of VGEC, BFI certification and development costing.
Qualified Specialists
ICAEW and ACCA members experienced with game studios.
Cloud-Based Delivery
Secure remote access to accounts and filings nationwide.
Supporting Game Developers Across the UK
ABM Chartered Accountants supports game developers and studios throughout England, from London and the South East to the Midlands, North West and beyond. Our cloud-based systems deliver specialist sector accounting to game development businesses nationwide.
How We Work
Initial Consultation
Set Up and Onboard
Ongoing Support
We provide regular reviews and proactive advice to keep your finances optimised and HMRC-compliant.
Get in Touch Today
Whether you need help with your tax return, payroll, VAT, or business advisory, our qualified UK accountants are ready to provide clear, practical guidance for your specific needs.
Book a Consultation
Fill in the form below and one of our expert accountants will contact you promptly to discuss your accounting and tax requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions indie studios, game company directors and development teams ask about specialist accounting.
What is the Video Games Expenditure Credit?
VGEC provides a 34% credit on qualifying UK core costs, taxable at corporation tax rates, giving an effective benefit of around 25.5%. Games must pass the BFI cultural test.
How are development costs capitalised?
Development costs can be capitalised as intangible assets under FRS 102 once a project is technically and commercially viable. They are amortised over the game’s expected revenue life after launch.
Does each game need separate accounts?
Yes. HMRC requires each qualifying game to be reported as a separate trade. Per-game profit and loss accounts track costs and revenue individually, supporting accurate VGEC claims per title.
Can studios claim VGEC and R&D?
Yes, but not on the same expenditure. Costs must be allocated between qualifying VGEC expenditure and R&D activity. Careful planning ensures both reliefs are optimised without overlap or lost claims.
How are publisher royalties accounted for?
Platform fees from Steam, console stores or publishers are deducted before revenue reaches the studio. Gross revenue is recorded with platform deductions tracked separately to show true margins.
Can ABM support game developers nationwide?
Yes. ABM Chartered Accountants serves game developers across England using secure cloud-based platforms, delivering specialist accounting to indie studios, mobile teams and scaling game companies.