China bans live-streaming of unauthorised video games, tightening regulations days after resuming game licenses
- China’s broadcasting regulator banned unlicensed titles from being streamed on Twitch-like platforms such as Douyu and Huya
- It marks another escalation in regulations on the video game industry days after new titles were licensed in China following an eight-month freeze
The National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) said that online platforms including variety shows, live-streaming sites and short video services are barred from broadcasting games that are not approved by regulators, according to an announcement on its website on Friday.
Live-streamed video game shows need to get approval from the NRTA at launch, and online platforms will need authorisation to stream shows based on foreign games and competitions, according to the regulator.
“The rise of social issues such as the chaos in live streaming and game addiction among teenagers have attracted widespread attention from the public for some time. Effective measures are urgently needed to regulate [the issues] strictly,” the NRTA said.
The new rules also stress that online streaming platforms should have a “minor protection mode” to prevent teenagers from video game addiction and bar them from spending money on streaming hosts. Selling virtual gifts is a popular form of content monetisation for live-streaming hosts in China.
NRTA’s new rules come days after Chinese regulators resumed video game approvals after an eight-month freeze, which was part of China’s efforts to step up control of gaming content and fight game addiction among young people.
