Interministerial Working Group Formed for Games Industry Regulation
Brazil has taken a significant step towards formalizing the regulation and strengthening of its electronic games industry with the establishment of an Interministerial Working Group (GTI Games). Coordinated by the Ministry of Culture (MinC), this group is tasked with developing proposals to regulate Law No. 14,852/2024, known as the Legal Framework for the Electronic Games Industry. The GTI Games was officially installed on Monday, February 9, marking a collaborative effort across various government sectors.
The initiative brings together a broad spectrum of ministries and strategic agencies, including the Ministry of Sport (MEsp), Ministries of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services, Education, Health, Finance, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Justice and Public Security. Also participating are the National Film Agency (Ancine), the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), the Attorney General's Office (AGU), and representatives from the sector, such as the Brazilian Association of Electronic Game Developers (Abragames).
The Legal Framework for Electronic Games
The foundation for this regulatory push is Law No. 14,852/2024, which was published and came into force on May 6, 2024. Originating from Bill No. 2796/2021, this legislation aims to provide a comprehensive legal structure for the burgeoning Brazilian gaming market. Its core objectives include:
- Regulating the manufacture, import, marketing, development, and commercial use of electronic games in Brazil.
- Fostering advancements in technology, culture, innovation, and research within the sector.
- Providing increased legal certainty for investments in the industry.
- Recognizing electronic games as cultural activities, thereby extending incentives similar to those applicable to the cultural sector under the Rouanet Law and the Audiovisual Law.
- Supporting the cultivation of a skilled workforce for the electronic games industry.
It is crucial to note that the Legal Framework explicitly distinguishes electronic games from gambling and betting activities. Games offering bets or whose outcome is determined by random factors, such as crash, blackjack, lottery, and roulette, as well as fantasy games, are excluded from the definition of 'electronic games' under this law and do not benefit from its provisions.
Focus on Protection and Development
The GTI Games will meet bi-weekly to develop its proposals, which will culminate in a report presented to the Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes. This report will contain recommendations for the implementation of the Legal Framework and the formulation of public policies for the sustainable development of the sector.
A significant aspect of the new regulation is the emphasis on the protection of children and adolescents. The framework includes provisions for age classification, measures to mitigate risks to minors' rights, and ensuring accessibility. Márcio Tavares, Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, highlighted the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration, stating, 'Celebrating this moment is another step in the institutionalization of policies for games. We have the challenge of creating good regulation, and this working group has much to contribute to the development of these policies.' Giovanni Rocco, National Secretary for Sports Betting and Economic Development of Sport, further emphasized the focus on athletes, youth protection, and social inclusion through eSports.
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