China Sets Sights on Online Gaming

In spite of the expansion of online gaming throughout China, the Chinese government is planning a crackdown on the burgeoning problem of so-called “video game addiction.” Ostensibly, several highly publicized deaths related to video games are the reason behind the tighter restrictions.

However, the government might not be as benevolent as it would like you to believe. At least one source suspects the government of ulterior motives. As blogger Wagner James Au speculates, the new government restrictions may be part of a political ploy aimed at protecting several party factions’ self-interests within the gaming industry.

The Chinese government has had a rocky relationship with online gaming for quite a while now. While the gaming industry in the country has exploded – a recent study estimates a 60 percent increase in Internet gaming revenues in 2007 alone – reports of “undesirable effects” have spurred the government into action to stem the growing trend.

The new plan, “Operation for Tomorrow,” introduces tougher restrictions to online gaming. Internet cafes, a common sight these days throughout the country, will be subject to firmer regulations in the future. In many communities, the crackdown has already been felt. Unlicensed Internet cafes have been shut down throughout the country and legal cafes have been forced to implement time limits for their patrons. In addition, anyone under 18 is no longer allowed to even enter the cafes.

Whatever the reason for the increased regulation, this is sure to have an impact on the landscape of gaming worldwide. In a country that accounts for roughly half of all active World of Warcraft subscriptions, any form of restrictions on gaming will have a global cooling effect for the MMO community at large—definitely something to look out for, even if you don’t live in China.