The Chamber of Deputies approved Bill No. 2,796/2021, which establishes the Legal Framework for the Electronic Games industry.
Now, the measure awaits the sanction of the President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes, highlights the importance of this initiative, highlighting the potential of games for the country’s culture and economy. According to her, the agenda represents one of the department’s priorities.
“The games sector is one of the fastest growing in the country and in the world, with around 75% of Brazilians involved.
Having this instrument that regulates the segment is essential for the production chain to generate even more jobs, stimulating the business environment, driving innovations and investments in technology, culture and audiovisual products”, says the head of Culture.
Stimulating national production and innovation of electronic games
The PL foresees several measures to boost the national electronic games industry. One of them is the possibility of companies receiving support from the Rouanet Law, adding provisions to encourage the production or co-production of independent Brazilian electronic games.
This aims not only to promote the national games industry, but also to promote professional training in the sector.
Furthermore, the text provides clear definitions for the manufacture, import, commercialization and development of electronic games. Thus, providing a safer and more regulated environment for those involved.
Tax incentives and recognition as an audiovisual work
The PL also addresses the tax issue, offering a tax incentive to Income Tax taxpayers.
This implies a 70% tax discount on remittances abroad linked to electronic games, as long as the investment is intended for the development of independent Brazilian projects.
Another important point is the recognition of games as audiovisual products. This measure not only reinforces the cultural importance of these productions, but also allows their use as alternatives for therapeutic treatments and didactic learning processes.
The text also highlights the inclusion of children and adolescents in encouraging programming and game development. Thus, always respecting labor and rights protection legislation.
Celebration and perspectives for the electronic games sector
Rodrigo Antônio, director of Training and Innovation at Minc’s Audiovisual Secretariat (SAV), celebrates the project’s contribution, emphasizing that the game is considered an audiovisual work.
“We have support in the field of public policies for direct and indirect promotion of the development and production of electronic games with shares from the Audiovisual Sector Fund. This year we included games as a segment in the new IN, with a fundraising limit of up to R$1, 5 million.
The Legal Framework for Games comes in the flow of sociocultural transformations that we are experiencing. And in this flow, our work at MINC values inclusion and in favor of the country’s diversity”, he defended.
Finally, the creation of the Games Coordination within the Audiovisual Secretariat (SAV) demonstrates the commitment of this MinC management to the development of public policies that promote different ways of thinking and doing audiovisual.
Thus, the Legal Framework for Electronic Games represents a significant advance for the national industry, providing a more favorable environment for growth, innovation and recognition of Brazilian productions on the international stage.
