The China Video Gaming Association has strengthened its stance on the strict gaming rules imposed on minors, which they intend to strengthen further. As per reports, three months after declaring an initial victory in reducing gaming addiction among minors, the association views the harmful effects of video gaming as a “long-term” task that will require additional effort.
More rules may be implemented to reduce gaming addiction among minors
In August 2021, the Chinese government imposed new rules for people under the age of 18 to limit online gaming playtime to an hour per day (8 pm. to 9 pm.) on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays. The rule went into effect on September 1st of the same year. Since then, steady progress was seen concerning the reduced game time.
However, just three months after the association released a report on control over gaming hours, Ao Ran, secretary general of the China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association, expressed that more rules must be put in place for better regulation.
In the two-day annual conference held by the organization on Monday in the southern city of Guangzhou, Ao Ran summarized the video game report: “Adolescents have a strong awareness of the negative impact of games and also have a certain sense of self-control while playing games. The industry must further improve the level of protection and bolster these measures. Minor protection is long-term and fundamental work and our peers must resolutely implement the requirements of the regulators and explore technical means, such as facial recognition.”
Ao went on to say that it is not only the responsibility of gaming companies to protect minors from gaming addiction, but that parents must do their part as well. Ao’s comments suggest that these strict rules will likely remain in place for minors and China Video Gaming Association might be introducing them after internal discussions.
Tencent confirms they’ll investigate more forms of minor protection
Responding to the statements, Tencent Holdings has promised to increase its anti-addiction efforts. Zheng Zhong, a senior director at Tencent’s division responsible for protecting minors, has said they will approach “more innovative forms of protection for minors” at the conference on Monday.
In July 2022, Tencent announced that it will maintain game time restrictions for young gamers in China during the summer of 2022. Their Midnight Patrol facial recognition system will enforce the game’s time limit, ensuring that children do not use their parents’ accounts to play the game for an extra few hours.
We’ll have to wait and see how this plays out, as we could see more and stricter regulations for minors coming soon.
What are your thoughts on China Video Gaming Association and its rules for minors? Do let us know in the comment section below!
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