The right buttons

Telegram & Gazette, (Worcester, Mass.): Video games have come a long, long way from the days of Space Invaders, Pac-Man and Asteroids. Today’s games require everything from manual dexterity and speed, to resource allocation, nerve, restraint, and even clear-eyed thinking about economics and sociology.

Something like that set of skills will also be required as lawmakers think about legislation to help nurture the video game industry in Massachusetts.

Legislation filed by Rep. Vincent A. Pedone, would offer companies tax credits and other incentives to fulfill their gaming instincts right here in the Bay State, which already boasts about $2 billion worth of the worldwide video game market, estimated at $50 billion.

A 4 percent market share may sound modest, but the growth potential in video games is staggering. Massachusetts is right to be on the cutting edge.

But, just as cheat codes take some of the fun and challenge out of video games, giving companies too many breaks without building in some requirements and claw-back provisions could wind up costing taxpayers. Much of the fun stops when a major player decides to pack up their toys and take their business elsewhere.

When it comes to video games, we want to see Massachusetts advance to a new level, just as long as taxpayers aren’t left holding an empty console, clicking on buttons connected to dead batteries.