How China controls gamers
China is the world's largest video game market, but unlike other countries, it actively regulates the gaming industry and player behavior. Government restrictions, content censorship, and rules on time spent playing games are part of a government strategy aimed at controlling and managing gaming culture. In this article, we explore how China regulates its gamers, what measures are being taken to protect young people and how they affect the development of the gaming industry.
1. Government measures to control game time
1.1 Restrictions on playing time for young people
One of the key strategies China uses to control gamers' behavior is to limit the time youth can spend on video games. In 2019, the Chinese government imposed strict rules, limiting the number of hours teenagers and children can spend on weekday and weekend games.
- A limit of 18 hours a day on weekdays and 1.5 hours on weekends and holidays was introduced for children under the age of 3. These measures were taken in response to growing concerns about gaming addiction and the negative impact of long-term gaming sessions on adolescent health.
1.2 Control mechanisms through real identification
To enforce these restrictions, Chinese authorities require all players, including teenagers, to be identified through a real name system. Each user needs to register with an ID card, and the system monitors the time they spend playing games.
- This mechanism also prevents the use of fake accounts and limits the anonymity of users. If the system records a violation, then access to games for violators can be limited or blocked.
2. Content censorship and influence on games
2.1 Game Blocking and Modification
China actively regulates video game content to meet cultural and political standards. All games that enter the Chinese market must be strictly censored, and in case the game does not meet these requirements, it can be blocked or modified.
- Games containing critical elements towards the government, excessive violence, pornography or anti-government ideas are often blocked. An example would be games that depict protests, scenes of violence, or political propaganda that contradicts the official view.
2.2 Restrictions on symbols and historical facts
In addition, Chinese law requires that games do not violate cultural norms or distort historical facts. Games depicting Chinese history or culture should be especially attentive to not showing events that may contradict the official version of the story.
- For example, games may prohibit the portrayal of events such as Tiananmen or the conflict in Tibet, as well as the portrayal of Chinese historical figures in a negative light. Violation of these standards can lead to blocking the game in the country.
3. Measures to combat gambling addiction
3.1 Game addiction and its consequences
China is actively fighting the growing problem of gambling addiction among young people. Research suggests that long playing sessions can lead to physical and psychological problems such as vision impairment, sleep disturbance and social isolation. In response to these threats, the Chinese government has developed measures aimed at limiting the time children and teenagers can spend on video games.
- In addition to limiting the time, the Chinese authorities also require game developers to implement a mechanism that automatically limits the duration of the game. This has become mandatory for all popular online games in the country, such as Honor of Kings and PUBG Mobile.
3.2 Addiction Prevention and Treatment Programs
In addition to time limits and content censorship, China also has special programs and clinics designed to treat gaming addiction. Young people who show signs of addiction can undergo treatment and rehabilitation in specialized institutions, where they are trained to balance their lives and avoid overindulgence in games.
- In some cases, adolescents are sent to rehabilitation camps, where they undergo psychological assistance and participate in classes aimed at restoring social activity and psycho-emotional health.
4. The Role of Technology and Innovation in Control
4.1 Using Artificial Intelligence for Monitoring
China actively uses artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor player behavior and enforce restrictions. The AI system monitors how much time players spend in the game, and analyzes behavior and interaction with other users.
- These technologies allow you to identify potential problems with gaming addiction and intervene if players exceed the permissible time frame. AI is also used to check the content of chats and other communications within games to prevent the spread of inappropriate content.
4.2 Technology Development to Protect Players
China continues to develop cloud services and mobile platforms that provide control over how games are used. Data systems collect information about how long and with what intensity players interact with games, and provide this data to companies for analysis and improved control.
5. The future of video game regulation in China
5.1 Prevention and Education
In the future, China will continue to improve its time control systems for video games and implement better measures to prevent gaming addiction. Prevention and training programmes are expected to continue to evolve, with a focus on creating a balance between a passion for games and real life.
5.2 International Cooperation
China will also continue to work with international game developers to ensure that games entering the Chinese market meet all necessary standards. This may include additional efforts to collaborate on player protection and to prevent game addiction.
Conclusion
Controlling gamers in China includes a number of strict measures aimed at managing time spent playing games and regulating content. Chinese authorities are actively implementing various systems to control gaming activity, protect young people from addiction and ensure compliance with cultural and political standards. Despite the tough measures, China continues to be the largest and most dynamic video game market, where the balance between control and innovation continues to be an important part of the strategy.
China is the world's largest video game market, but unlike other countries, it actively regulates the gaming industry and player behavior. Government restrictions, content censorship, and rules on time spent playing games are part of a government strategy aimed at controlling and managing gaming culture. In this article, we explore how China regulates its gamers, what measures are being taken to protect young people and how they affect the development of the gaming industry.
1. Government measures to control game time
1.1 Restrictions on playing time for young people
One of the key strategies China uses to control gamers' behavior is to limit the time youth can spend on video games. In 2019, the Chinese government imposed strict rules, limiting the number of hours teenagers and children can spend on weekday and weekend games.
- A limit of 18 hours a day on weekdays and 1.5 hours on weekends and holidays was introduced for children under the age of 3. These measures were taken in response to growing concerns about gaming addiction and the negative impact of long-term gaming sessions on adolescent health.
1.2 Control mechanisms through real identification
To enforce these restrictions, Chinese authorities require all players, including teenagers, to be identified through a real name system. Each user needs to register with an ID card, and the system monitors the time they spend playing games.
- This mechanism also prevents the use of fake accounts and limits the anonymity of users. If the system records a violation, then access to games for violators can be limited or blocked.
2. Content censorship and influence on games
2.1 Game Blocking and Modification
China actively regulates video game content to meet cultural and political standards. All games that enter the Chinese market must be strictly censored, and in case the game does not meet these requirements, it can be blocked or modified.
- Games containing critical elements towards the government, excessive violence, pornography or anti-government ideas are often blocked. An example would be games that depict protests, scenes of violence, or political propaganda that contradicts the official view.
2.2 Restrictions on symbols and historical facts
In addition, Chinese law requires that games do not violate cultural norms or distort historical facts. Games depicting Chinese history or culture should be especially attentive to not showing events that may contradict the official version of the story.
- For example, games may prohibit the portrayal of events such as Tiananmen or the conflict in Tibet, as well as the portrayal of Chinese historical figures in a negative light. Violation of these standards can lead to blocking the game in the country.
3. Measures to combat gambling addiction
3.1 Game addiction and its consequences
China is actively fighting the growing problem of gambling addiction among young people. Research suggests that long playing sessions can lead to physical and psychological problems such as vision impairment, sleep disturbance and social isolation. In response to these threats, the Chinese government has developed measures aimed at limiting the time children and teenagers can spend on video games.
- In addition to limiting the time, the Chinese authorities also require game developers to implement a mechanism that automatically limits the duration of the game. This has become mandatory for all popular online games in the country, such as Honor of Kings and PUBG Mobile.
3.2 Addiction Prevention and Treatment Programs
In addition to time limits and content censorship, China also has special programs and clinics designed to treat gaming addiction. Young people who show signs of addiction can undergo treatment and rehabilitation in specialized institutions, where they are trained to balance their lives and avoid overindulgence in games.
- In some cases, adolescents are sent to rehabilitation camps, where they undergo psychological assistance and participate in classes aimed at restoring social activity and psycho-emotional health.
4. The Role of Technology and Innovation in Control
4.1 Using Artificial Intelligence for Monitoring
China actively uses artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor player behavior and enforce restrictions. The AI system monitors how much time players spend in the game, and analyzes behavior and interaction with other users.
- These technologies allow you to identify potential problems with gaming addiction and intervene if players exceed the permissible time frame. AI is also used to check the content of chats and other communications within games to prevent the spread of inappropriate content.
4.2 Technology Development to Protect Players
China continues to develop cloud services and mobile platforms that provide control over how games are used. Data systems collect information about how long and with what intensity players interact with games, and provide this data to companies for analysis and improved control.
5. The future of video game regulation in China
5.1 Prevention and Education
In the future, China will continue to improve its time control systems for video games and implement better measures to prevent gaming addiction. Prevention and training programmes are expected to continue to evolve, with a focus on creating a balance between a passion for games and real life.
5.2 International Cooperation
China will also continue to work with international game developers to ensure that games entering the Chinese market meet all necessary standards. This may include additional efforts to collaborate on player protection and to prevent game addiction.
Conclusion
Controlling gamers in China includes a number of strict measures aimed at managing time spent playing games and regulating content. Chinese authorities are actively implementing various systems to control gaming activity, protect young people from addiction and ensure compliance with cultural and political standards. Despite the tough measures, China continues to be the largest and most dynamic video game market, where the balance between control and innovation continues to be an important part of the strategy.