Mexico introduces 8% tax on violent games
The government majority in Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies has supported a bill imposing an 8% tax on violent video games. In-game purchases will also be subject to the tax.
The government majority in Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies has supported a bill imposing an 8% tax on violent video games. In-game purchases will also be subject to the tax.
According to Engadget, these are titles that are marked as C (18+) and D (adults only) in the local system. The tax will apply to both discs, digital copies, and all in-game payments. The decision of the Chamber of Deputies and now the project must pass the Senate, which will consider the budget by November 15.
The initiative was introduced by the Mexican Ministry of Finance back in September. Officials explain it by the desire to reduce social risks: in the explanatory note they refer to studies that link regular playing of violent titles with higher aggression in adolescents, isolation and anxiety. At the same time, the aforementioned 2012 work also noted positive effects (training of motor skills and stress resistance). That is why the final text may be clarified during the Senate debates: for example, to determine how add-ons, subscriptions and game currencies will be taxed.
The market will definitely feel the changes after it comes into effect. The tax will be included in the price of both local studios and global publishers selling in Mexico through Steam, PlayStation Store, or Xbox Store. This could increase the cost of games and content, as well as hit free-to-play, where revenue is generated by small payments. Part of the audience may switch to unofficial platforms or buy keys abroad.
Mexico’s age-rating system for video games has been in effect since 2021. The debate about the impact of violent content has been going on for years, but there is no single scientific conclusion about a direct causal relationship between games and real-life violence. The final decision on the 8% rate will be made by the Senate; if the norm is included in the budget, it could come into effect as early as the next fiscal year.
Recall, previously dev.ua wrote about how scientists found that even games with elements of violence can reduce physiological manifestations of stress. The subjects played a game about medieval France, where survival depends on fighting cruelty, rats, and horror.
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