Video game market in Brazil

The Brazilian game market is the largest in Latin America and the 10^th largest in the world, generating over $3 billion CAD in 2021 (on track for $4.3 billion CAD in 2022).

Mobile gaming represents nearly 50% of the market, followed by consoles (29%) and PC (24%). The industry is fast growing, with the number of studios tripling between 2018 and 2022.

In 2020, Brazil gained its first gaming unicorn with Wildlife Studios being valued at $4 billion CAD. Multinationals Sony, Microsoft, Google, Tencent and Apple all have a foothold in Brazil, while Riot, Ubisoft, Garena, IGG and Blizzard have local offices in the country.

Key opportunities for Canadian video game companies in Brazil

• Mobile and casual games are most successful, though PC and console games are increasing in popularity
• Solutions to improve performance of video games, including lag time, sound engineering, and graphics quality
• Professional training and coaching services for gaming studios as a large number are self-taught

Notable challenges for Canadian video game companies in Brazil

• Limited number of national publishers and distributors
• Protectionist measures make imports more expensive, notably on foreign made consoles and physical games

Brazil business landscape

The Brazilian federal Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) has been investing in its video game export program Brazil Games, a partnership with the national gaming association AGRAGAMES. In 2022, they supported a delegation to Canada’s XDS in Vancouver. There is a clear recognition of Canadian expertise in the sector and an interest in fomenting ties with Canadian industry.

The Brazil International Games (BIG) Festival takes place yearly in late June and is the largest video game conference in Latin America. This year, the TCS will be organizing a trade mission to BIG for Canadian studios and educational institutions focusing on gaming, animation, and programming.

Summary

Brazil is an attractive market for Canadian video gaming studies. Given its large population providing a strong player base of all ages, with a particular preference for casual and mobile games, the video game market is ideal for Canadian small and medium size studios. Brazil’s position as a regional powerhouse also facilitates access to the rest of the Latin American market.

For more information on video games in the Brazil market please contact Michèle Meilleur Sarazin, michele.meilleur-sarazin@international.gc.ca, or brazilinfocentre@international.gc.ca.