Written by Picture this: golden beaches, volcanic landscapes, and a vibrant culture—all under the endless blue skies of the Canary Islands. But there’s more to this paradise than meets the eye. While tourists soak up the sun, the Canary Islands are emerging as an international powerhouse for game development. With unmatched tax incentives, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative ecosystem that’s hard to beat, this Atlantic archipelago offers an extraordinary playground for developers to push boundaries and bring their visions to life.
GlassFrog Productions, nestled in the heart of this thriving hub, is a key player in this revolution. Specializing in cinematics, worldbuilding, and VFX, GlassFrog is helping to transform the Canary Islands into a destination where great games come to life.
Why the Canary Islands Are a Game Developer’s Paradise
A Tax Haven for Creativity
The financial incentives here are as generous as the views:
- Unrivaled Audiovisual Tax Rebates: Developers can tap into a staggering 50%-54% tax rebate on eligible production expenses, including game cinematics. With a cap of €36 million per production, this rebate is a game-changer for ambitious projects.
- Special ZEC Corporate Tax Rates: Operating under the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC) slashes corporate tax to just 4%, compared to Spain’s mainland rate of 25%.
- VAT Perks: The reduced IGIC (local VAT) rate of 7% and exemptions for exported services translate to significant savings.
- R&D Innovation Deductions: Up to 45% deductions on eligible expenses for projects leveraging innovative technologies make experimentation not just exciting, but financially rewarding.
Government-Backed Growth
The Canary Islands’ regional government is serious about game development. Initiatives include:
- Direct funding to hire and nurture local talent.
- Grants for research and innovation projects.
- Streamlined assistance from entities like PROEXCA, ensuring developers navigate tax and legal frameworks with ease.
GlassFrog Productions: Elevating Game Development in the Canary Islands
At the center of this flourishing ecosystem stands GlassFrog Productions, a full-service powerhouse with a proven track record in delivering cinematic magic. Our artists have played pivotal roles in some of the most celebrated games of the last decade.
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Skull & Bones
- Horizon Zero Dawn 2
- Dune: Awakening
A Portfolio of Excellence
Partnering with GlassFrog gives developers access to:
Immersive Cinematics: Our team crafts unforgettable cutscenes and trailers that captivate players and drive engagement.
Real-Time Expertise: GlassFrog’s proficiency with real-time engines like Unreal ensures seamless integration between gameplay and cinematic storytelling.
Advanced VFX: Using the latest Unreal Engine technology, we create visuals that don’t just look stunning but push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming.
Innovative Worldbuilding: From lush forests to sprawling cityscapes, we bring every detail to life with unparalleled artistry.
The Perks of Partnering with GlassFrog
Maximizing Incentives for Game Development in the Canary Islands
Our deep expertise in the Canary Islands’ tax and funding landscape ensures developers can unlock every available benefit. With strong ties to local authorities, GlassFrog simplifies the often complex administrative processes, letting creators focus on what they do best.
Leveraging Global Co-Productions
Through Spain’s co-production treaties, developers gain access to additional financing and tax advantages. GlassFrog’s experience in navigating these opportunities ensures no potential resource is left untapped.
A Thriving Ecosystem for Game Development
The Canary Islands are already home to industry success stories like No Brakes Games, creators of Human: Fall Flat, which has sold over 40 million copies. With a supportive government, growing talent pool, and unmatched financial incentives, the region is primed to become a global leader in game development.
Your Next Move
The Canary Islands are more than just a beautiful backdrop; they’re a launchpad for game development success. And with GlassFrog Productions by your side, you’re equipped with a team that combines creativity, technical prowess, and an intimate knowledge of the region’s unique opportunities.
Disclaimer: The images and artwork featured above are owned by their respective creators and publishers. All rights remain with the original rights holders. Members of GlassFrog Productions contributed artistically to the development of these projects but do not claim ownership of the depicted content.