Creative Talent And Competitive Incentives Boost Louisiana's Digital Media Industry
The software development and digital media industry is thriving in Louisiana. With the nation's strongest, most comprehensive incentive for the industry, strategic investments in higher education and alignment from the state to local levels, Louisiana gives software development and digital media companies a competitive edge. Companies such as Electronic Arts, TurboSquid, High Voltage Software, and inXile Entertainment have applied these unique benefits, finding success in Louisiana.
Companies in Louisiana have access to a skilled workforce, with more than 100,000 professionals with a background in software development or digital media. The industry also draws support from research hubs, such as the Cyber Innovation Center in Bossier City. With strong university curricula and programs, the state has graduated nearly 5,000 students in the software development field in the past five years, supplying a pipeline of talent for high-tech and software development companies.
Louisiana is an ideal location for creating and deploying consumer, business and entertainment software, web-based and mobile applications, embedded systems, and interactive devices and consoles.
Digital Interactive Media and Software Program Strongest in the Nation
The Digital Interactive Media and Software Program provides a 25 percent tax credit on qualified payroll for resident labor and 18 percent for qualified production expenditures. If the amount of tax credits exceeds the business’ state income tax liabilities, the business receives the balance as a refund or applicants can opt for 85 percent of the value earned as a rebate any time during the year. The incentive is inclusive of the development of consumer software, business and enterprise software, web-based applications, digital media and games, interactive devices, and consoles and embedded systems.