São Paulo State's Efforts to Foster a Self-Sustaining Gaming Industry in Brazil

Brazil's gaming industry has experienced rapid growth, with a 3.2% increase in the number of developers in 2023, mostly based in São Paulo. The state's secretary for Culture, Creative Economy and Industries, Marilia Marton, has been working to support local developers. The government began by understanding the sector's needs and demands, and then introduced funding opportunities for game development. The 'editas' program provides financial support for cultural projects, including gaming. Recently, a new legal framework was adopted, recognizing video games as a distinct industry, allowing for tailored laws, policies, and regulations. This framework also enables developers to register as game companies and offers increased protection for the creative process. The government plans to provide additional funding to create educational channels for students and a 'gaming factory' to provide opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. The goal is to create a self-sustaining industry by developing a skilled workforce, attracting foreign investment, and encouraging companies to establish studios in São Paulo. This would not only bring revenue back to Brazil but also stimulate economic growth. With its vast territory and lack of geographical constraints, São Paulo aims to become a major gaming hub, rivaling cities like Guildford and Montreal. The state's diverse cities, infrastructure, and large industry events, such as Gamescom, make it an attractive location for developers and investors alike.