Mexico Chamber of Deputies Approves Potential 8% Tax on Violent Video Games

On Friday, October 17th, 2025, the Mexican Chamber of Deputies approved a financial package which proposes an 8% excise tax on all video games it deems to be “violent.” This toll would apply to all gaming purchases, physical and digital alike, so long as they fit certain proposed criteria.

In our analysis, the chamber appears to have also made an allowance for taxes of upward of 30-50% to be levied against general “vices,” in order to dissuade purchase, though this is not guaranteed.

Mexico Seeks an 8% Tax on all “Violent Video Games”

Justifying the 8% tax, the package cited “recent studies” which apparently demonstrated higher levels of aggression among adolescents who play said “violent video games.” It does not appear that any data from these studies was actually presented in the document.

A screenshot from Lord of The Rings: Shadow of Mordor that showcased WB’s patented Nemesis System – YouTube, Shadow-Man

Moreover, numerous sources have disputed similar claims, such as a 2019 study from the University of Oxford.

According to Professor Andrew Przybylski, Director of Research for the Oxford Internet Institute, “The idea that violent video games drive real-world aggression is a popular one, but it hasn’t tested very well over time, despite interest in the topic by parents and policy-makers, the research has not demonstrated that there is cause for concern.”

Next Steps for the Package

Keep in mind, this initial approval does not mean these policies have been enacted yet; Mexico has a bicameral system based on the same format as our United States Congress. Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies—which is dominated by left-wing and socialist parties—is Mexico’s lower house of congress, similar to our very own House of Representatives. The Senate of The Republic of Mexico—its upper house of congress—has not yet approved the package.

A screenshot from Halo 2: Anniversary (2020), 343 Industries

Some speculate, though, that such an outcome is likely, as both houses of congress are ruled by the same political parties—primarily Morena. After passing in the senate, the package would then go before President Claudia Sheinbaum—who is also part of the Morena party—for approval.

According to Mike Straw of Insider Gaming, this policy will only affect games classified as “C” or “D” rating under the Mexican System of Equivalencies of Video Game Content Classification (SMECCV). The system rates the suitability of video games in an ascending alphabetical system, with “C” referring to “18+” and “D” referring to “exclusive to adults.”

Taxing the Industry to Death

Analysts within the gaming industry have pointed out that this proposed legislation could do substantial harm to the Grand Theft Auto franchise. With a reputation as one of the most violent and offensive video game series’ of all time, Rockstar’s highly anticipated GTA 6 is likely to see significantly reduced sales in Mexico. 

A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games

This isn’t merely due to the 8% tax, but rather due to the fact that this increased cost will stack on top of the country’s already existing 16% VAT. Add that to a price point which could be the equivalent of $100 USD, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Rockstar Games’ long history of pushing the envelope–a once useful trait that boosted sales through controversy and intrigue–could now be the very thing that tanks its income by drawing the ire of the Mexican government.

What are your thoughts on this prospective 8% Mexico violent video games tax? Do you think this will help reduce real-life violence? Does this proposal go too far, or does it need to do more? Let us know in the comments section below!