Lula Signs Decree to Regulate and Boost Brazil's Gaming Industry

On October 14, 2026, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a transformative decree that formally regulates the Legal Framework for Electronic Games in Brazil, marking a significant step toward developing the country's burgeoning gaming sector. The decree recognizes video games as audiovisual works and cultural products, paving the way for government-backed financial support, intellectual property protections, and dedicated industry development policies.

The regulation enables producers to access funding through mechanisms such as the newly established Lei Rouanet Games, the Audiovisual Law, and the Audiovisual Sector Fund. The government aims to provide favorable credit conditions with competitive interest rates and repayment terms. Special provisions are included for individual entrepreneurs and cooperatives, while roles within the gaming sector no longer require special qualifications or licenses, simplifying professional recognition.

As part of this initiative, the Ministry of Culture collaborated with industry representatives like Abragames to ensure the decree reflects sector needs. The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation announced a R$ 200 million public call to support startups focused on game development and digital innovation. Additionally, the Ministry of Education will launch undergraduate gaming degree programs at five federal universities, offering a total of 230 spots to cultivate skilled professionals.

To further spotlight national talent, the government inaugurated Game Brasil, a public platform with an initial investment of R$ 1.4 million to promote and catalog Brazilian-made games. The decree also includes tax incentives to enhance the competitiveness of domestic developers against international companies.

President Lula underscored the importance of this regulatory advancement by stating, "Brazil cannot be the eternal exporter of soy, corn. Brazil must be an exporter of intelligence." He emphasized that the two-year period used for understanding the gaming sector was crucial to this milestone, reflecting a broad interministerial effort to strengthen digital and cultural industries.

Minister of Culture Margareth Menezes highlighted the sector's strategic role, noting the potential to generate income, employment, and cultural growth. This comprehensive regulatory and support framework seeks to position Brazil as a competitive player in the global gaming industry, foster innovation, and expand economic opportunities.