Measures when games go beyond entertainment

The National Press and Publication Administration approved 105 new domestic game licenses on Monday, the first time more than 100 licenses have been approved in one go.

The move demonstrates the regulatory body's active support for the development of the gaming industry. The"2023 China Gaming Industry Report" says that in 2023 sales revenue from the domestic gaming market reached 302.9 billion yuan ($42.58 billion), marking a 13.95 percent year-on-year increase. The user base in the gaming market also reached a historical high, totaling 668 million people.

China's gaming industry has experienced rapid development and has become a significant force in the global gaming industry, yet it's also important to note that currently China's gaming industry faces multiple pressures. For instance, the increase in the number of products has intensified the already fierce competition among enterprises. To ensure healthy and sustainable development, gaming enterprises not only need to enhance their product research and development capabilities but also continuously explore new directions for growth.

That's essentially why the authorities recently released a draft law on network game management measures to solicit public opinion on the proposal to restrict excessive use of games. The measures include prohibiting network games from setting up inducement rewards for daily log-ins and other such tactics. This provision aims to curb irrational consumer behavior while prompting gaming enterprises to better shoulder their social responsibility.

Promoting the long-term and healthy development of the gaming industry should be a consensus among regulators, practitioners, and various sectors of society and that's where all sides are cooperating.