If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

China reveals new mental health initiative that may further limit violence in games

"Healthy China 2030" includes crackdown on games considered violent, pornographic, or promoting gambling

A new plan by the Chinese government may result in further crackdown on games and live streams with content considered to be violent or pornographic.

Technode reports that the "Healthy China 2030" initiative is a coming push to improve Chinese mental health through various measures affecting schools, mental health organizations, counseling, and educational initiatives. It also includes plans for the reduction of violent and pornographic content that it believes is causing an increase in mental disorders among minors.

The initiative is being spearheaded by 12 different government departments, including the National Health Commission, the Publicity Department, and the National Radio and Television Administration. Together, these groups will set goals with the aim of improving the mental wellbeing of children and adolescents.

Specifically, one section of the plan calls for increased supervision of online content and games, including crackdowns on those that include online gambling, "bloody violence," and pornography.

China has already been enacting a more stringent approval process for online games, alongside other actions aimed at protecting minors. Its new game approval process, implemented last year, puts a limit on the number of games that can be approved per year and tightens restrictions on games with gambling, obscene, and violent content.

And in November, new restrictions were published from the Chinese State Administration of Press and Publications that further limited the amount of time, times of day, and types of games that can be played by minors.

Related topics
Author
Rebekah Valentine avatar

Rebekah Valentine

Senior Staff Writer

Rebekah arrived at GamesIndustry in 2018 after four years of freelance writing and editing across multiple gaming and tech sites. When she's not recreating video game foods in a real life kitchen, she's happily imagining herself as an Animal Crossing character.