China video gaming association says strict rules for minors must stay in place to combat long-term problem of addiction
- Video gaming industry association says levels of protection for minors need to be maintained and enhanced further
- Association’s comments come after an easing of approvals for new video gaming licences in China
China’s semi-official gaming industry association said that protecting children from the harmful effects of video gaming remains a “long-term” task that needs more work, three months after it declared an initial victory in reducing gaming addiction among minors.
“Adolescents have a strong awareness of the negative impact of games … and also have a certain sense of self -control while playing games,” said Ao Ran, secretary general of the China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association, the semi-official body representing gaming companies in China, at a two-day annual conference held by the organisation on Monday in the southern city of Guangzhou.
However, the industry must “further improve the level of protection and bolster these measures” based on the results achieved to date, said Ao, as he summarised the latest report on “video game literacy” among young Chinese people.
“Minor protection is long-term and fundamental work, ” said Ao. “Our peers must resolutely implement the requirements of the regulators … and explore technical means, such as facial recognition.”
The National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA), which regulates online gaming in the country, has implemented a series of measures since August 2021 to tackle gaming addiction among teenagers, including limiting gaming time for players under 18 to between 8pm and 9pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays.
Ao’s remarks, which come three months after the association released a report declaring an initial victory in its fight against gaming addiction, indicate that these tough rules will likely remain in place despite other signs that industry regulation is easing in China.