China Announces New Draft Restrictions on Online Gaming

December 22, 2023 – In a recent announcement, China has unveiled new draft restrictions on online gaming, aiming to regulate and control the industry further. This move comes as part of the Chinese government’s ongoing efforts to address concerns regarding the impact of excessive gaming on the mental and physical well-being of the younger population.

The new regulations, which were released by the Chinese government’s National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA), propose stricter control measures and limitations on various aspects of online gaming. The draft rules include restrictions on the number of hours minors can spend playing online games, as well as guidelines for game developers to implement additional measures to prevent addiction.

According to the NPPA, the draft regulations aim to protect the physical and mental health of minors and promote a balanced lifestyle. They also intend to reduce the prevalence of gaming addiction and its associated negative consequences, such as poor academic performance and decreased social interaction.

One of the key provisions in the draft regulations is the limitation on the number of hours minors can spend playing online games. The proposed rules suggest that minors should be restricted to a maximum of three hours of gaming per day, with no gaming allowed between 10 pm and 8 am. Game developers are expected to implement real-name verification systems to ensure compliance with these restrictions.

In addition to time limits, the draft regulations also emphasize the responsibility of game developers in preventing addiction. The NPPA encourages developers to incorporate features that promote healthy gameplay habits, such as in-game reminders to take breaks and restrictions on excessive spending on in-game purchases. Developers are also urged to create mechanisms that allow parents to monitor and control their children’s gaming activities.

The announcement of these new draft restrictions has sparked mixed reactions among the Chinese gaming community. While some believe that these measures are necessary to protect the younger generation, others argue that they infringe upon personal freedoms and hinder the growth of the gaming industry.

Industry experts predict that these new regulations will have a significant impact on the Chinese online gaming market, which is one of the largest in the world. Game developers will need to adapt their products to comply with the proposed restrictions, potentially leading to a decrease in revenue and market share for some companies.

The Chinese government has been actively working to address concerns related to online gaming addiction in recent years. In 2019, they implemented regulations that required players to register using their real names and ID numbers, aiming to curb gaming addiction and prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content.

It is important to note that the draft regulations are subject to public consultation and are not yet finalized. The NPPA is inviting feedback from different stakeholders to ensure that the regulations strike the right balance between protecting minors and supporting the growth of the gaming industry.

As China moves forward with these new draft restrictions on online gaming, the global gaming community will be closely watching the developments. The outcome of these regulations could potentially influence other countries’ approach to regulating the online gaming industry and addressing concerns related to gaming addiction among minors.

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BREAKING – China announces new draft restrictions on online gaming https://t.co/SodNyd8Tcs

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) December 22, 2023

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