China Bans Unapproved Video Game Livestreams, Lifts Game Licensing Freeze

The Chinese government has implemented new measures in its ongoing campaign to protect its citizens from the supposed evils posed by video games.

Reuters reports that China’s National Radio and Television Administration has banned all video game broadcasts and livestreams that haven’t been approved by the related government agencies. These include coverage of overseas competitions and games.

“For a period of time, issues such as chaotic online livestreaming and teenage addiction to games have raised widespread concerns in society and effective measures need to be taken urgently,” said the government agency. They also added that streamers and influencers should refrain from “abnormal aesthetics” and toxic celebrity fan culture.

The ban is China’s latest move in their efforts to crackdown on video games in the country which has seen the playtime of minors cut down to just three hours per week on weekends, the addition of a “Youth Mode” for various online services, and the banning of effeminate characters as well as mature and LGBTQ+ content in games.

The suspension on game approvals, however, has been last week after video game companies made major changes to their business practices in line with the government’s stricter regulations.