Do you play Fortnite, Battlefield, or Grand Theft Auto?... Get ready! They'll cost 8% more if Sheinbaum's initiative is approved.

The Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) presented the 2026 Economic Package , which includes fiscal measures on consumption, foreign trade, and public health. Highlights include:

• Application of strategic tariffs to countries without current agreements

• Adjustments to taxes on sugary drinks and tobacco

• Proposed special tax on video games with violent content

The main objective is to discourage the consumption of products that can have negative effects on the health and well-being of the population, following the regulations previously applied to tobacco and sugary drinks.

VIDEO GAME PRICES RISE IN MEXICO

If approved, popular titles such as Call of Duty, Battlefield, Doom, Gears of War, GTA, Saints Row, Mafia, Watch Dogs, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Tekken, Killer Instinct, Resident Evil, The Last of Us, Dead Space, Silent Hill, Fortnite, PUBG: Battlegrounds and Apex Legends would register an increase of approximately 8% in their prices .

The SHCP bases this measure on recent studies that show that constant exposure to violent video games is associated with: • Greater aggression in adolescents • Social isolation • Anxiety and less family interaction

Although there is debate about the direct relationship between video game violence and aggressive behavior, the government argues that the tax serves public health and extra-tax revenue purposes.

HOW THE TAX WOULD AFFECT PRICES

The proposed tax would be an ad valorem 8% levy, applicable to digital purchases, downloads, and subscriptions for titles with violent content on consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. Some estimated examples:

• Call of Duty: from 1,699 pesos → 1,835 pesos

• Gears of War: from 1,599 pesos → 1,726 pesos

• Fortnite: similar adjustment depending on the mode and platform

This increase would directly affect millions of Mexican gamers , sparking online debates about the need for the tax versus the economic and cultural impact on the community.

ONLINE GAMBLING: TAX UP TO 50%

The initiative also includes an increase in the tax on digital gambling , from 30% to 50% of the total amount of bets or the amount actually received. The growth of online betting houses has increased access and economic risks. The measure seeks to protect individuals and families from potential social impacts.

This strategy reflects the government's intention to regulate digital consumption with potential risks , aligning it with other public health and revenue policies.

GAMER COMMUNITY REACTS

The proposal has generated divided opinions :

• Some users consider the tax necessary to reduce social risks

• Others perceive it as a punishment for the gaming community and a brake on the growth of the technological and cultural sector in Mexico.

FUN FACTS

• Mexico is one of the countries with the highest penetration of video games in Latin America, with millions of active players daily.

• Fortnite and GTA are some of the best-selling and most played titles on consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.

• The measure is similar to taxes previously applied to tobacco and sugary drinks, under the logic of protecting public health.

IMPACT AND PERSPECTIVES

If approved by Congress, the 8% tax on violent video games and the increase in gambling would set a new precedent in the regulation of digital entertainment in Mexico. • It could change consumer habits and generate adjustments in subscription prices • The gaming industry would have to adapt to new tax conditions • Debates about health, the economy, and freedom of digital consumption will continue to be central in the media and social networks