China claims to have cracked down on gaming addiction  

With strict measures

China claims that the tough measures against gaming have paid off and combated youth addiction. From August 2021, minors have been banned from playing video games for more than three hours a week. The gaming industry in the country was also hit, as the approvals of new titles were frozen. China now claims that 75% of young gamers now play less than three hours a week.

The announcement gives hope that restrictions will be eased, as with strict COVID measures and winter coming, children will spend more time at home. There has also been an increase in adult gamers in the country, while several senior care centers are recommending them to play online to strengthen their bonds with their grandchildren.

China’s government has blamed videogames for increasing myopia among young people, concentration and mental health problems, and sleep disturbances.

I look forward to the future with greater financial revenue for esports, PC gaming and the excitement of China’s 700 million gamers. With gaming approvals restarting and youth regulations being regulated locally, we are seeing a positive effect begin to take shape. – Lisa Cosmas Hanson, Asian gaming market expert