China said to suspend approval for new online games, heating up Beijing’s campaign against gaming addiction


By Josh Ye

Sources said the decision to freeze new video game approvals was revealed at a meeting between Chinese authorities and industry giants Tencent and NetEase. It is unclear how long this suspension of new game approvals will last, the sources said. — SCMP

The Chinese government has temporarily suspended approval for all new online games in the country, dealing a fresh blow to the video gaming businesses of industry giants Tencent Holdings and NetEase, as Beijing steps up measures to tackle gaming addiction among young people, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

That decision was revealed during a meeting on Wednesday called by Chinese authorities, led by the publicity department of the Chinese Communist Party and gaming watchdog the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA), to discuss with representatives from Tencent and NetEase how they will implement Beijing’s new restrictions on video gaming for minors, according to a person briefed on the matter, but declined to be named because the information is private.

Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Tech News

Binance registers with India's financial watchdog as it seeks to resume operations
FBI working towards nabbing Scattered Spider hackers, official says
Crypto group with 440,000 members launches PAC to target House, Senate elections
TikTok to start labelling AI-generated content as technology becomes more universal
Hong Kong businesses embrace potential of silver economy with more services, tech for rising number of elderly
China carer devotes life to solitary elderly man for 12 years, gets five flats worth millions in thanks for efforts, wins plaudits online
Einstein and anime: Hong Kong university tests AI professors
Foxconn's Q1 profit to jump from low base, AI to power growth
China tech giant Baidu VP apologises after backlash over tough style
Boater dies just feet from land when he dives in to find cellphone, US cops say

Others Also Read