A considerable number of UK games developers believe that incentives being offered to competitors in foreign countries are hampering their progress, a survey by industry body TIGA revealed.

The survey found that a third of UK games studios saying that developers are leaving the country due to better prospects at rival studios in foreign countries, such as France, Canada and Australia.

In the report, titled “State of the Development Sector Report,” TIGA's chief executive Dr Richard Wilson said, "There are distinct advantages for games developers which operate in countries where there are subsidies.”

UK videogame developers are inclining towards self-publishing and smartphones are being preferred over other platforms.

The report states that 47 per cent game developers in the UK are self-publishing at least some of their games.

Half of the respondents said retail was the biggest monetization mechanism for their titles, while 47 per cent showed preference for stores like iOS Apps Store and XBLA to sell their games.

A majority of self-publishers showed preferences for Apple’s iPhone. Sixty-seven per cent of the respondents were found targeting target the iPhone, while 45 per cent targeting the iPad. The survey also revealed that smartphone was emerging as the most accepted platform for games.