China Sets New Monthly Gaming Limit for Minors: 15 Hours

In a significant move aimed at regulating youth gaming habits, China has announced a new policy that restricts children to just 15 hours of video game play each month. This measure comes as part of ongoing efforts by the government to combat what they see as potential negative impacts of excessive gaming on young people’s health and well-being. The South China Morning Post reports that the government presents this gaming limit as a necessary remedy for a “disease” it seeks to address. While stringent gaming regulations are now in place, some sectors within the gaming industry have experienced a more favorable stance from authorities, particularly when games serve to promote Chinese culture. For instance, titles such as Black Myth Wukong have been recognized for their role in highlighting Chinese heritage. In 2023, the National Press and Publication Administration approved over 1,400 video game titles, including 1,306 domestic and 110 from international developers—the highest approval rate since 2019. To ensure compliance with these gaming hours, the government has implemented advanced technology, including facial recognition systems to verify players' ages accessing games during prohibited hours. This follows earlier measures introduced in 2021, which limited minors to just one hour of gaming each day, specifically between 8 PM and 9 PM, during weekends and holidays. The recent changes are a considerable tightening from the previous guidelines established in 2019, which allowed for one hour of gameplay on most days.