Steam to apply 12% VAT in PH game purchases by June 2025
Filipino gamers, get ready: Steam, the popular online gaming platform, will implement a 12% value-added tax (VAT) on all purchases in the country starting June this year.
The platform recently announced the pricing uplift on its website, which will also cover downloadable content (DLC) purchases.
Players who enjoy triple-A games like Elden Ring and Civilization VII, the latter of which now interestingly features Filipino leader José Rizal, can expect to see an increase of up to P360 for games priced at P3,000.
Before the announcement, the Philippines had enjoyed some of the lowest prices on Steam compared to other markets around the world, with smaller games going for around P200 to P300.
The price hike is part of Republic Act 12023, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law in October 2024. The law imposes a 12% VAT on online and digital services provided by foreigners.
The law also covers providers of digital content such as movies, music, images and information; electronic marketplaces; online licensing of software, mobile applications, videos and games; online advertising spaces; search engine services; social networks; as well as webcasts and webinars, among others.
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