In Russia, there has been a proposal to introduce a tax deduction for purchasing games in domestic stores and to more actively develop game development in the regions
In the report on research into government support for gaming in Russia, APRIORI, IRI, and "EBR" shared not only the survey results but also their recommendations. They are convinced that a comprehensive strategy needs to be developed in the country.
"Smuta"
The organizations pointed out that Russian authorities have accomplished a great deal in developing support for game development over the past three years, but it's too early to stop there.
"Grant tools and tax breaks have appeared, accelerators, export initiatives, personnel, and educational programs have begun to develop. However, the infrastructure itself is just the foundation," the organizations write.
APRIORI, IRI, and "EBR" proposed launching additional measures of government support. For example, creating special tax incentives in Russia for game studios, such as reducing profit taxes on game exports.
In general, a whole block of recommendations is related to supporting Russian game development when working with foreign markets. In particular, the organizations proposed promoting domestic stores in other countries, such as VK Play. They also want the authorities to subsidize participation in major international exhibitions and provide government support for projects created in partnership with foreign studios.
Here are some more recommendations:
- allow tax deductions for purchasing games in Russian stores;
- begin commissioning the development of educational and developmental games from the state, primarily for children;
- support the opening of gaming clusters and development centers in regions;
- launch "mini-grants" for opening studios in regions and develop regional rebates for games;
- allocate subsidies for internships of Russian students in gaming companies in Russia and abroad;
- create a system to protect Russian gaming companies' intellectual property rights abroad;
- resolve the issue of double taxation for games developed in Russia that are sold overseas;
- when providing government support, pay more attention to games that "reflect Russian cultural context and values," and only then to games with high market potential.
More details on these and other recommendations can be read in the study itself.