China Plans to Cleanse Online Gaming

If the government can successfully squash it, China’s passion for online computer games may soon come to an end. The China Green Online Games Publishing Program is a five-year plan to clean up online gaming in China, and it will be implemented starting next year. It’s not clear exactly what will be targeted, however. A notice on the program singles out violent and pornographic games, but the program’s vice director also criticized “unhealthy and persuasive contents” that “attract players and make unlawful profits.” Given China’s penchant for censoring what appears on the Web and governing what’s healthy for its citizens, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the program slowly increase in scope. Hardcore gamers should start planning their exodus now. [via Yahoo!]