The parties’ proposals for the video game industry in the 23-J elections

This Sunday, July 23, the General Elections will be held in USA., the first in summer date. Apart from the expectations of votes and possible pacts that will determine the next Government, there is a topic that may be more or less relevant for the players: the proposals of the parties in relation to the video game industry. As we already did in past general elections, we are going to review the electoral program of the political parties with national representation.

PSOE

In the electoral program of the PSOE (USASocialist Workers Party) led by Pedro Sánchez, videogames appear mentioned on several occasions. The first states that they will continue to “promote the digitization and modernization of the driving sectors of the new knowledge economy, including all the cultural industries, the audiovisual sector and videogamesthe media and new emerging markets such as podcasts”, and again, the commitment to support “new creation formats and emerging markets, such as podcasts and all activities in the field of videogames”.

Something more concrete is told in the paragraph dedicated to the España Hub Audiovisual program: “The objective is to increase audiovisual production by 30% through the mobilization of transfers and loans from Next Generation EU funds, to support the digitization and modernization of all related activities and the promotion of talent in related sectors, from the production of films and series to the media and new formats and emerging markets, such as podcasts and video games, the metaverse and immersive reality“.

PP

The electoral program of Alberto Nez Feijo, of the PP (Popular Party), announces 365 measures with economic, social, educational and other objectives and proposals. Video games are mentioned on one occasion, specifically in measure 354 relating to the promotion and protection of the USAaudiovisual heritage “as a means to preserve our identity and cultural diversity”highlighting the interactive leisure industry.

“We will develop new lines of financing and strengthen the role of USA in the international film sector, both by promoting our productions and by attracting talent and investment to USA with the filming of audiovisual and film projects. We will support productions from other audiovisual industries, especially video games“.

Add

The Sumar coalition promoted by Yolanda Díaz, which includes Podemos, Izquierda Unida, Más País, Verdes Equo, Alianza Verde and various regional parties, also mentions video games in its program, although in this case there is no direct support in writing. to industry or culture but to more regulation of loot boxes -an issue that has been discussed on several occasions during the previous legislature-.

“approval of a law loot boxes or loot boxes. Recently, random reward mechanisms have been incorporated into video games that offer improvements, prizes or incentives for players. These rewards are known as loot boxes or loot boxes. The expansion and normalization of these mechanisms within video games requires a Comprehensive approach to protect the underage population of possible exposure to betting and gambling dynamics from early stages of life”.

vox

Vox, the party led by Santiago Abascal, has a mention of video games in its electoral program. Addresses the issue of addiction in minors -video games, social networks, new technologies- and help for people with difficulties in these technological advances -in reference to the elderly-.

“Digitalization has become widespread after the pandemic. We will bet on specific programs of prevention and attention to the use, abuse and addiction to new technologies, video games and social networks in children and young people; as well as special support measures for people who show difficulties with the use of new technologies, such as our elders, always guaranteeing a face-to-face alternative in all ordinary procedures”.

Other parties

Of the rest of the parties that are presenting themselves in the general elections on July 23 with some type of proposal related to videogames, only we found some small lines in a couple of Catalan parties. This is the case of ERC, which speaks of “developing, strengthening and projecting the cultural industries and the digital, audiovisual and video game sectors, without which neither creation would be fruitful nor would production respond to the capacities, needs and ambitions of the community.” Catalan society”. Junts speaks concisely of “promoting Barcelona as a hub of the video game industry.

None of the other parties (PNV, Coalicin Canaria, Teruel Existe, EH Bildu, Nueva Canarias…) have proposals that expressly mention video games.