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SC Games is now law: Santa Catarina signs permanent policy for the game industry
- ascjogos
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Hey, everyone!
On April 8, 2026, Governor Jorginho Mello signed Law No. 19,789/2026, officially establishing the Santa Catarina Games and Digital Entertainment Program (SC Games) as permanent state policy. The game industry in Santa Catarina, Brazil now has the backing of law.
The law originates from Bill No. 334/2024, authored by representative Ivan Naatz, which was approved by the Legislative Assembly of Santa Catarina (ALESC) on March 17, 2026. The text was developed collaboratively with universities, the state government, and industry organizations.
As president of ASCJogos (the Santa Catarina Game Developers Association), our team was there for the vote. Let me give you the context.
Why a law matters more than a decree in Brazil
Brazil has three government levels: federal, state, and municipal. Programs can be created by decree (easily revoked by the next governor) or law (requires the legislature to change). SC Games existed since 2009 as a decree. Now it's a law, ensuring it survives political transitions.
What the SC Games law establishes
Foster games and digital entertainment growth
Train professionals for the industry, including at-risk populations
Promote Santa Catarina's products nationally and internationally
Connect universities, research centers, and the private sector
Support events, trade shows, and conferences
Encourage incubators and tech hubs
Brazil's Gaming Legal Framework
The Marco Legal dos Games (Law 14,852/2024), signed May 2024:
Recognizes games as interactive audiovisual works, opening Rouanet Law and Audiovisual Law funding
Separates games from gambling
Provides tax incentives for developers
Includes games in Digital Education Policy
Protects children with in-game purchase guidelines
The federal law opened the doors. The state law builds the road.
How SC Games strengthens the game industry in Santa Catarina
Funding programs get legal continuity
Companies gain investment confidence
Universities get stronger backing
Events have institutional support
The state becomes a national reference
Santa Catarina is one of Brazil's top tech states. Florianópolis is called "Brazil's Silicon Valley." With this law: the state is serious about games.
Who made it happen
Rep. Ivan Naatz
SCTI, Secretary Edgard Usuy
Heleno Orlandino Martins Júnior, SC Games coordinator
Prof. Márcia Battistella, "Young Talents SC Games"
Prof. Giorgio Gilwan da Silva, Game Design at Univali
Abragames, VP Luiza Guerreiro
Prof. Márcia Battistella:
"The approval of Bill 334/2024 represents a strategic step for strengthening innovation, education, and the creative economy in Santa Catarina. By establishing SC Games as law, the state invests directly in young talent, opportunities, and a rapidly growing sector."
Prof. Giorgio Gilwan da Silva, Univali:
"This is a historic milestone for the games industry in Santa Catarina. Turning SC Games into law ensures stability and creates conditions for long-term growth. Univali's Game Design program is proud to have contributed for over 15 years to this ecosystem, which now enters a new cycle of consolidation."
What's next
On April 8, 2026, Governor Jorginho Mello signed Law No. 19,789/2026 into effect. SC Games is now officially state law. Check our member companies and our industry guide.
FAQ
What is Bill 334/2024?
The bill that became Law No. 19,789/2026, making SC Games a permanent state program.
Law yet?
Yes! Signed into Law No. 19,789/2026 by Governor Jorginho Mello on April 8, 2026.
Decree vs law?
Decree: revocable anytime. Law: requires legislature.
Where is Santa Catarina?
Southern Brazil. Florianópolis = "Brazil's Silicon Valley."
About the author:
Leonardo Guedes Bilck is passionate about games and co-founder of Plot Kids, a Brazilian studio specialized in game development and animation, and Truth and Tales, focused on social-emotional learning games for kids. As president of ASCJogos, Leonardo is actively involved in the development community and believes strong public policy is essential for growing Brazil's game industry.
Tags: indie games, brazilian games, game industry, SC Games, Santa Catarina, Brazil, indie game studios
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