Mexico Proposes 8 Percent Tax on Mature-Rated Video Games The Mexican government is taking aim at violent video games, not with a ban, but with a new tax. The countrys Chamber of Deputies has approved a comprehensive financial package that includes an eight percent levy on games deemed to have mature content. This move places video games squarely in the political crosshairs, echoing debates seen in other nations. The proposed tax would apply to video games that receive a C or D rating under Mexicos national age classification system, which functions similarly to the ESRB in the United States. A C rating is for players 18 and older and permits extreme violence, bloodshed, and moderate graphic sexual content. The D rating is strictly for adults and allows for prolonged scenes featuring such content. This legislative effort was first introduced back in September. At that time, the countrys Treasury Department justified the measure by citing studies that allegedly found a relationship between violent video games and increased aggression in adolescents. The department also pointed to potential negative social and psychological effects like isolation and anxiety. The governments report referenced a 2012 study in a footnote, which the report claims also noted some positive aspects of gaming, such as aiding motor learning and building resilience. As the law is currently interpreted after its approval by the Chamber of Deputies, the eight percent tax would be applied broadly. It would cover both digital and physical copies of any game falling under the C or D rating categories. Furthermore, the tax would also extend to any in-game purchases or microtransactions within those titles, potentially increasing the overall cost of engagement for players. The proposal is not yet law. It must now proceed to Mexicos other legislative body, the Senate, where it will be subject to further debate. Lawmakers face a deadline of November 15 to submit a final budget proposal, meaning a decision on the video game tax is imminent. This initiative marks a significant attempt to regulate video game content through fiscal policy, a strategy that could be watched closely by other governments around the world.
