Gamers are eyeing the world’s next big gaming market

BRAZIL is the seventh largest country by population and the fifth largest by size, but the game has almost no presence in stores.

It’s not because Brazilians are less interested in video games than other regions, but because of tax and price issues.

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In 2018, a report revealed that the cost of the PS4 was three times higher in Brazil than in North America, thanks in part to a 20% import tax, a 33.5% VAT, and a tax on luxury goods. of 50%.

These unattainable prices have caused many players to resort to piracy, which in turn has led major publishers to abandon the market.

Nintendo officially exited Brazil in 2015, with the company’s general manager for Latin America, Bill van Zyll, saying: “Brazil is an important market for Nintendo and home to many passionate fans.

“Unfortunately, challenges in the local business environment have made our current distribution model in the country unsustainable.”

Brazilian gamers are more passionate than ever, and a huge reduction in tax rates for consoles has breathed life into the industry.

Nintendo returned to Brazil with the launch of the Nintendo Switch, and the country is now the 10th largest games market in the world.

It seems that everything has fallen into place for one of the biggest gaming conventions in the world to enter the South American market, as Gamescom Latam arrived in São Paulo last month.

More than 100,000 people from 70 countries visited the city to see what Brazilian developers have in store for the games industry.

In particular, the Nintendo booth was one of the highlights for gamers, as we saw legions of fans eager to try out the Switch library.

With events like Gamescom and the Summer Game Fest Latin American showcase, Brazil is a growing region for developers and, in five to ten years, we expect the country to be a major player in the sector.

The list of games developed in Brazil is currently very small, but there are gems such as the Momodora series, Blazing Chrome and Unsighted.

But with Brazil’s recent access to more affordable consoles and the lower cost of living in the country, it will only take a few years for major games to leave the country.

The vibe at Gamescom Latam is young and fresh, with developers and players full of passion and excitement for what’s to come.

Following the trend, Brazil, like China before it, could become the next big gaming hub.

If you want to read more about upcoming games, check out our Zenless Zone Zero review.