Enticed by tax incentives, video game developer to open studio in New Orleans, employing 80

Enticed to Louisiana by the state's generous tax incentives, a video game developer plans on opening a studio in New Orleans that will employ 80 people.

High Voltage Software Inc. says it will open a studio in the city's Central Business District and start hiring soon. Operations are scheduled to begin in January.

The company is based in the Chicago area and has worked with many major brands, including Star Wars, Toy Story, Batman, SpongeBob SquarePants, Ben 10, LEGO, Lilo & Stitch, Iron Man, Captain America and Family Guy.

Kerry Ganofsky, the company's CEO, said Wednesday that Louisiana's tax incentives were fundamental in the decision to open a studio in New Orleans.

Louisiana's tax incentives for numerous industries have come under fire for being too generous and causing serious budget problems for the state.

The company says salaries at its New Orleans studio will range between $50,000 and $120,000.

Gov. Bobby Jindal, who was on hand for the announcement, said High Voltage's decision to invest in New Orleans was proof that Louisiana is experiencing a boom in high-tech jobs.