Exclusive | New video game approvals dry up in China as internal memo shows that developers now have many red lines to avoid
- Review of gaming content is getting stricter and companies will have to stay clear of a long list of red lines if they want approvals in future, memo shows
- According to memo seen by the Post, games are a new art form that must highlight ‘correct values’ and an accurate understanding of China’s history and culture
The Chinese government has not announced any new licensed video games for August and September, breaking a tradition of monthly approvals, according to information on the website of gaming watchdog the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA).
The halt in approvals reflects Beijing’s harsher stance on what constitutes appropriate gaming content, and the regulatory net looks set to tighten.
According to a memo from a recent internal training course organised by China’s state-backed gaming association for members, seen by the South China Morning Post and confirmed by several people familiar with the situation who declined to be identified, regulatory review of gaming content is getting stricter and companies will have to stay clear of a long list of red lines if they want games approved in future.
The memo reminds China’s gaming studios that video games are no longer apolitical “pure entertainment” but a new form of art that must highlight “a correct set of values” and accurate understanding of China’s history and culture. The training course was aimed at helping game developers to understand the new approach in order to secure content approval.
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According to China’s published gaming review rules, which are general in scope, regulatory reviews will look at red flags such as whether a video game violates Chinese laws, leaks state secrets, propagates superstition, spreads violence or gambling, or encourages minors to hurt themselves.
