Video game

China Is Slowing Down Approvals For New Video Games To Fight Addiction – India Times


China really hates video games. After capping a limit on the number of hours minors in the country can have access to video games, China is now “slowing down” approval of new video games in hope of countering addiction

Video games spiritual opium?

Authorities in China refer to gaming as a “spiritual opium” and are undertaking anti-gaming measures as part of the country’s larger control strengthening measures over tech after decades of unfettered growth

Kids can be seen playing video games in this image from China
Reuters

The South China Morning Post on Thursday reported that China is slowing down the approval for all new online games in hopes of limiting addiction among its younger population. The report claims that the strategy was unveiled after a meeting between authorities and Chinese tech giants like Tencent and NetEase.

Also read: Chinese Govt Calls Online Gaming ‘Opium’, Forming Strict Rules To Cut Addiction

Just last month, China enforced a new rule wherein minors (anybody aged below 18) would not be allowed to play video games for three hours a week. While democracies may view this as the state’s self insertion into the private lives of citizens, communist China has never been one to shy from regulating the lives of its people. 

Kids can be seen playing video games in this image from China
Reuters

Video games a hindrance to China’s new narrative

Restrictions from August on games for minors apply not only on computer systems and consoles but also on mobile phones, coming as a blow to tech companies that consider China one of their most lucrative markets

The absurd provision even lists out the exact time when kids could play video games. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, minors in China may play video games between 8-9 pm. On public holidays, kids may play video games for an hour as well. 

Also read: About 45% Indians Started Mobile Gaming In 2020, Due To Pandemic Lockdown

Kids can be seen playing video games in this image from China
Reuters

The rules were revealed by China’s National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA). China’s Xinhua news agency quoted an NPPA spokesperson as claiming that the country is making such moves to protect the “physical and mental health of minors”.

But that’s just one side of the coin; the whole crackdown on Big Tech and video games is part of Xi Jinping’s pan-China programme for an era of “national rejuvenation”. 

Do you think states should be allowed to decide who does what in their free time? Do let us know in the comments below.

We’ll keep you updated on the latest in the world of gaming, science, and tech on Indiatimes.com





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