MA weighs credits for video game makers

BOSTON (AP) - Massachusetts is weighing a bill to extend the state's motion picture tax credits to video game makers.

The Boston area is already home to top gaming companies like the developers of the hugely popular "Rock Band." But it's just fourth or fifth on the list of top video gaming clusters, behind cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.

A bill by Worcester Democrat John Binienda to extend existing motion picture tax credits to video game companies is set to come up for a public hearing at the Statehouse on Wednesday.

Tax breaks could be a tough sell after lawmakers just approved a sales tax hike.

Also, a new state Department of Revenue report indicates the motion picture credits have returned just 16 cents on every dollar to Massachusetts taxpayers.