Aug 30, 2021 - World

China drastically curbs amount of time kids can play video games

Axios

Players practice the mobile game Arena of Valor in a shopping mall in Tianjin, China. — Players practice the mobile game "Arena of Valor" in a shopping mall in Tianjin, China. Photo: Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images

Chinese regulators on Monday imposed new rules on video game companies that drastically limit the amount of time minors can play to just an hour on Fridays and weekends, Bloomberg reported, citing state media.

Why it matters: The new rules come amid Beijing's broader crackdown on domestic Big Tech companies — including gaming giant Tencent.

Driving the news: The rules, published by the country's National Press and Publication Administration, will only allow children to play online games from 8pm to 9pm local time on approved days.

Minors will also be able to play the games for an hour on holidays.

The big picture: Tencent said earlier this month it would voluntarily cut minors' gaming time after a state media article called video games "spiritual opium," according to Reuters.

Go deeper: China's homegrown techlash

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China drastically curbs amount of time kids can play video games

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