China on Friday banned the transmission of unauthorized video games, signaling tighter enforcement of the rules as part of a broader oversight of the online gaming industry that aims to weed out content that is not approved by the government. .
The National Radio and Television Administration said platforms of all types cannot broadcast games that are not approved by the relevant authorities.
In particular, broadcasts of foreign games or competitions cannot take place without approval, he said, adding that users who carry out the broadcasts must resist “abnormal aesthetics” and the harmful cult of celebrities.
“For a long time, issues such as chaotic online streaming and teenagers’ addiction to games have worried society and urgent action is needed,” the regulator said in a notice on its website.
Daniel Ahmad, a senior analyst at consultancy Niko Partners, said that while unlicensed games are not officially released in mainland China, many have been promoted on streaming platforms such as Huya, DouYu International Holdings and Bilibili Inc.
“This year Elden Ring was a hit on Chinese game streaming platforms, averaging 17.1 million cumulative views per day despite not having a license,” he said.
Last year, China introduced new rules that limit the amount of time under-18s can spend playing video games to three hours a week, which the government deems necessary to combat gaming addiction.
The government is also considering suspending gaming licenses that regulators just released this week after companies made major adjustments to their business practices.
Companies had to delete content deemed violent, that celebrated wealth or that encouraged the cult of celebrities.
On Thursday, Tencent Holdings Ltd, China’s biggest gaming company, said it would end a service that allows Chinese gamers to access unapproved games through foreign platforms.
The impact of this latest ban on the shares of major Chinese gaming and streaming companies is not immediately clear. Hong Kong markets were closed on Friday for a holiday, while Huya and DouYu are listed in the United States.
The ban “could impact gaming companies significantly if implemented rigorously,” said Charles Yu, the head of Shanghai-based law firm Pillar Legal.
Tencent, DouYu, Huya and Bilibili did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Source: CNN Brasil

Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.