China Suspends Approvals For New Online Video Games Indefinitely

In a meeting with Tencent and NetEase, China has decided to suspend any new online game approvals!

In recent years, China has been involved in many controversies regarding its online gaming restrictions. In August, authorities in the country placed further restrictions on online gaming, which stated that minors can’t play video games for more than 3 hours per week. Now, sources state that China is said to suspend any new online game approvals indefinitely in a recent meeting held with two video game industry giants, Tencent and NetEase.

According to a report published by South China Morning Post earlier today, the Chinese government held a meeting with Tencent and NetEase, in which it decided to temporarily suspend approvals for any new online games in the country. The Chinese government has stepped up to take matters of online gaming addiction among children into its own hands and this decision has had a detrimental impact on the video game industry in the country.

This was decided on Wednesday, in a meeting held by the publicity department of the Chinese Communist Party and the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) to talk about the concerns of the recently implemented restrictions for children in online games with representatives from two of China’s biggest companies, Tencent and NetEase. According to the source that told this confidential information to South China Morning Post, the Chinese authorities stated that “everything is on hold.”

Another source mentioned that new online game approvals will remain suspended for a while because the precedence was to “reduce the number of new games” in China. China has the biggest video game industry in the world, so this decision will certainly have some adverse consequences on the condition of the industry. The National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) has also not published its list of licensed games in China for the month of August, which is unlike it, as it has been doing so since May 2019.

Currently, it’s uncertain as to how long this suspension of new online video games will continue. However, if there’s one thing for sure, it’s that small game developers will definitely be influenced, as was the case with the nine-month-long suspension on video game approvals in 2018.

What do you think about this? Do tell us your opinions in the comments below!

Similar Reads: Tencent Shares Drop By 11% After Chinese Media Calls Online Gaming “Spiritual Opium”

Did you find this helpful? Leave feedback below.

Thanks! Do share your feedback with us. ⚡

How can we make this post better? Your help would be appreciated. ✍

Subscribe to our newsletter and get up-to-speed gaming updates delivered to your inbox.

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy.


Huzaifa, an Online News Editor at eXputer.com, is a video game industry aficionado with a talent for unearthing the juiciest stories for his beloved readers. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science, he dives deep into the abyss of news, meticulously dissecting every tiny detail to serve his audience. When he's not unravelling breaking news, he becomes a master storyteller, conjuring up captivating tales from the depths of his imagination. With a wealth of experience as a Video Game Journalist, he's penned his mighty words for numerous other video game outlets, leaving no video game unturned and no pixel unexplored! Experience: 4+ Years || Education: Bachelor of Science in Data Science || Previously Worked at VeryAli Gaming & TheNerdMag || Covered 100+ News Articles

Related Articles

Join Our Community

Enjoyed this article? Discuss the latest gaming news, get expert help with guides and errors, and chat about all things gaming on eXputer Forums and Discord Server. Connect with fellow gamers who share your passion by becoming a part of eXputer's community.