They say that violent games cause more aggression. That’s why the Mexican government wants extra fees from players for GTA and Call of Duty

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Update (October 20)

Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies has passed a new law that would add an 8% tax to adult-rated video games (categories C and D). If the Senate also approves the bill, it will apply to all paid games – both downloaded and physical copies – and to purchases within free-to-play games.

Original news (September 10)

Although it feels like the debate about video games and aggression is a thing of the past, the Mexican government is taking another look at the topic and has actually increased funding for related research.

  1. Mexico’s Finance Ministry announced a set of legal measures aimed at discouraging people from consuming products that are considered harmful to their physical and mental health.
  2. These measures will take the form of new taxes on video games containing violent content. They will also cover websites offering gambling games, as well as increase taxes on flavored drinks and tobacco products.
  3. For video games containing violent content, this tax will be 8%.

It is doubtful that the new tax will discourage players from violent games.

President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico is proposing these taxes because research suggests that violent video games may be connected to increased aggression in teenagers, and can also contribute to problems like loneliness and anxiety.

It’s unclear which studies are being discussed. However, research from a few years ago at the University of Oxford actually found no link between violent video games and increased aggression in children. Professor Andrew Przybylski, the lead researcher, explained the results when they were first published.

Many people believe violent video games lead to real-world aggression, but studies haven’t consistently supported this idea. While parents and lawmakers are interested in the connection, research hasn’t shown a clear link that would suggest a real problem.

We need to think about whether Mexico’s recent decision is motivated more by financial gain than by actually trying to solve problems with violence and young people.

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2025-10-20 11:32