The State Duma proposed introducing an excise tax on foreign games
State Duma Deputy Yana Lantratova has proposed introducing an excise tax in Russia on games developed by foreign developers. She wants to set its rate at 10%, reports TASS.
GTA VI
As Lantratova explained, the funds collected in this way should be directed by the authorities to support Russian developers.
"[The introduction of the excise tax] will redistribute resources in favor of national developers, weakening the economic dominance of foreign products and fostering the creation of a safe media environment, free from ideological aggression," Lantratova stated.
Lantratova also proposed establishing the term "national video game" in legislation. In her view, developers of these games should have the right to state support. For example, they should be provided with infrastructure and tax benefits, grants should be allocated, and special conditions for promotion on gaming platforms should be created.
This is not Lantratova's first initiative regarding the regulation of the gaming market. In particular, in 2023, she proposed the idea of introducing rental licenses for games in Russia. Additionally, Lantratova is one of the authors of the bill "On the Development and Distribution of Video Games in the Russian Federation," which was submitted to the State Duma for consideration at the end of 2024 and is currently at the first reading stage.