Mexico May Impose an 8% Tax on Violent (Mature-Rated) Video Games

Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies has approved a budget package that includes a proposed 8% tax on video games rated C or D under the country’s age classification system — roughly equivalent to mature/adult ratings used elsewhere. The levy would apply to digital and physical sales and also cover in-game purchases and microtransactions. The measure now moves to the Senate and must be considered ahead of the November 15 budget deadline.

The government’s proposal cites recent studies it says link violent video games to higher aggression and negative social or psychological effects among adolescents. The report references a 2012 study while also noting some positive associations with gaming, such as motor learning and resilience-building.

• Who is affected: Games with C (18+) or D (adults-only) ratings under Mexico’s classification.
• What is taxed: Digital and physical game sales plus in-game purchases/microtransactions.
• Next steps: The Senate will debate the proposal before the November 15 budget deadline.

Industry watchers say an 8% tax could increase consumer prices, affect smaller developers disproportionately, and shift monetization strategies — especially for titles that rely heavily on microtransactions. Critics of the proposal have raised concerns about evidence strength linking games to long-term aggressive behavior, while supporters argue for public-health-focused regulation.

For more details, see the original report: Engadget: Mexico considers 8% tax on violent video games.

Discussion: Do you think an industry-wide tax on mature-rated games is a reasonable public-policy tool, or would it do more harm than good to gamers and developers?