Legal Framework for Games: understand the new perspectives and changes being debated in the Senate

In the corridors of the Senate, a simmering discussion is shaping the future of games in Brazil. With the presentation of the new text of the Legal Framework for Games by Senator Leila Barros (PDT-DF), the spotlight turns to a series of changes that promise to redefine the panorama of the electronic games industry in the country.

The revised proposal seeks to remove ‘fantasy sports’ from the scope of the legal framework, responding to requests from representatives of the national electronic gaming industry.

Furthermore, it introduces mechanisms to guarantee the safety of minors in the gaming world.

Main changes

Of the eight main changes proposed by Leila Barros, measures that cover aspects from taxation to parental rating of games.

Senator Leila Barros presents the project’s measures – Image: Roque de Sá/Agência Senado/Reproduction

The inclusion of tax discounts on taxes on remittances abroad, detailed regulation of companies in the sector, the creation of a specific code in the economic register and the protection of children within the virtual environment are some of the most significant innovations.

The main changes proposed by the new text include:

1. Exclusion of fantasy sports: This version of the project removes the fantasy sportsresponding to industry requests and directing its regulation to other legislative procedures.

2. Wlassification of microtransactions: it is proposed to consider microtransactions in the indicative classification of games, impacting the age recommendations for those involving such mechanics.

3. Tax benefits: introduces tax discounts on remittances abroad linked to the exploitation of electronic games, as long as the foreign company invests in the development of independent games in Brazil.

4. Business framework: details companies linked to the games sector and formalizes new professions, facilitating their regulation and recognition in the market.

5. Registration at IBGE: ask IBGE to create a specific code for the gaming sector in the National Register of Economic Activities, simplifying bureaucratic procedures and enabling the collection of industry data in the country.

6. Import facilities: development kits are recognized as essential tools for the industry, with the aim of facilitating their import and avoiding excessive taxation.

7. Application in the public sector: establishes guidelines for the use of electronic games in educational and therapeutic contexts, and can create a games repository for public institutions.

8. Protection of minors: holds game developers responsible for ensuring a safe virtual environment for children and teenagers, restricting unauthorized transactions.

After analysis by the Education Committee, the revised text must pass through the Senate plenary; If approved, it will return to the Chamber of Deputies for consideration of the proposed changes.

Reactions and expectations

The voices of sector representatives and legislators resonate in the debate, highlighting the importance of the Games Legal Framework for the competitiveness of Brazilian companies, the industry’s growth potential and its role in economic development from the country.

As the discussion progresses, expectations rise, envisioning a regulatory framework capable of boosting the electronic games industry and consolidating it as a strategic sector for the Brazilian economy.