China is adopting the new rules, citing fears children are becoming addicted to online gaming. Minors under 18 will only be able to play on Friday and the weekends — but only for one hour each day.
The Chinese government is banning minors from playing online games from Monday through Thursday, citing fears children are becoming addicted to gaming. On Monday, the country’s National Press and Publication Administration issued the new rules, which only permit minors to play online games on Friday, the weekends, and on holidays. But even then, they can only play for one hour, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. The new restrictions apply to Chinese citizens under the age of 18, and take effect immediately. In addition, all online gaming providers must follow the rules. To do so, China has already been requiring game companies to implement real-name identification systems. This forces consumers who sign into a game to first provide a mobile phone number, state-issued ID, or even undergo a facial scan.
