China’s National Press and Publication Administration has released a notice imposing limits on online gaming for minors.
On September 1st, video game companies will have to restrict gaming time to three hours a week — from 8 PM to 9 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
With this new set of restrictions, Chinese authorities want to tackle addiction to online games.
According to the National Press and Publication Administration, online gaming has an impact on both the physical and mental health of minors.
In order to implement those time limits, game companies will have to leverage a real-name-based registration system.
In 2018, Tencent started using this system to limit playtime on Honor of Kings, a widely popular mobile game.
Back then, limits weren’t as strict, though, as children up to aged 12 could play one hour per day, and up to two hours per day for children between 13 and 18. At the time, authorities were concerned about worsening myopia among minors.
During the signup flow, users must go through an ID verification system, which means that you can only have one account associated with your real name. Regulators will regularly check whether gaming companies comply with local regulations.
It’s going to be interesting to see how the new rules affect video games as a whole. Online gaming is mentioned specifically, which could mean that solo games won’t be restricted going forward. Similarly, it’s unclear whether console games and foreign games will have to implement the new real-name-based registration system.
Some young gamers will also be tempted to circumvent the restrictions by signing up on a foreign server. It’s also worth noting that adult players will still be able to play 24/7.
Following the news, Tencent issued a statement. “Tencent expressed its strong support and will make every effort to implement the relevant requirements of the Notice as soon as possible,” the company says.
As Bloomberg noticed, NetEase shares are currently down 8% compared to yesterday’s closing price. NetEase is another popular Chinese game development company and its activities aren’t as diversified as Tencent’s activities.
Latest Stories
-
All payments received from our contract with GRA are performance-based, says SML
33 mins -
Marrakech 2024: Ghana’s para-athlete Zinabu Issah wins Gold
35 mins -
Our contract with GRA followed due process; ignore contrary reports – SML
36 mins -
SML is just Agyapa in suit and tie – Bright Simons
1 hour -
Domelevo condemns selection of KPMG to audit GRA/SML contract as illegal and unprofessional
1 hour -
SML/GRA contract: OSP should have released its report by now – Inusah Fuseini
2 hours -
KPMG report exonerates us – SML
2 hours -
Works and Housing Ministry seeks lasting solutions to challenges with stakeholders engagement
2 hours -
President’s statement on GRA-SML contract underlines Fourth Estate’s revelation – MFWA
2 hours -
Our services are one of a kind, not done by NPA – SML insists
3 hours -
We operate legally and collaborate with world-class partners – SML
3 hours -
Director urges parents to protect children from abuse
3 hours -
Imani-Ghana criticises Akufo-Addo for not lauding Fourth Estate’s contribution to social development
3 hours -
Man remanded for allegedly stabbing businessman with broken bottle and screwdriver
4 hours -
Population in Kumasi Central Prison surges to 1800, threefold exceeding capacity
4 hours