The discussion surrounding the gaming law in Russia continues. The Video Gaming Industry Development Organization (VGIDO) proposed at a meeting in the State Duma to divide the December bill proposal into two separate laws, one of which they are prepared to handle personally.
VGIDO believes that from the bill “On the Development and Distribution of Video Games in the Russian Federation,” the part concerning support for Russian game development should be separated. This is the section the association wants to refine.
“We propose preparing a separate draft text titled ‘Law on the Development of the Video Game Industry’ and are ready to take on its development. We would be glad to collaborate with those who have legislative initiatives, to prepare and submit it to the State Duma in the established manner,” said CEO Vasily Ovchinnikov.
According to VGIDO, its bill could become a continuation of the “Creative Industries” law. Planned measures include new support and control measures for Russian gaming companies—both in current circumstances and after foreign developers return to Russia. For example, VGIDO wants to include the creation of a special fund for gaming companies and the introduction of new tax incentives in the law.
VGIDO claims that drafting the bill would take two to three months, including necessary discussions with industry representatives and ministries.
In the remaining part of the December bill, VGIDO suggested adjusting the focus. One option is to direct it towards protecting children from harmful content in games.
“A bill with titles such as ‘On Minimizing Risks to Public Health’ or ‘On Setting Restrictions on the Distribution of Video Games in the Russian Federation’ would more accurately reflect the document’s content and avoid contradictions between the title and essence, which in turn would aid better understanding by the industry,” the VGIDO statement reads.
“In implementing the proposed bill currently under discussion, we recommend focusing primarily on support measures. This could lead to positive outcomes. There is successful global experience to draw upon; for example, in Canada, support measures are directly tied to taxes, which is effective. In China, tax burdens are reduced, and some companies receive VAT relief and profit tax benefits,” commented Vasily Ovchinnikov, CEO of VGIDO, to App2Top.