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

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.