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What Game Was Banned in China? A Deep Dive into the World of Regulations and Gaming

The question of which game was banned in China doesn’t have a single, simple answer. Over the years, a multitude of games have faced bans or restrictions within the country due to varying reasons, primarily revolving around content deemed politically sensitive, violent, sexually suggestive, or considered to promote gambling. However, one title, in particular, stands out for its sweeping removal and the precedent it set: Plague Inc.

Developed by Ndemic Creations, Plague Inc. is a real-time strategy simulation game where players create and evolve a pathogen to infect and ultimately wipe out the world’s population. While praised globally for its strategic depth and realistic simulation of disease spread, Plague Inc. was banned in China in 2020. The ban, enacted by the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), came with a terse statement citing the game’s content as “illegal” without providing further specific details. The game was removed from the Chinese App Store and is no longer available for purchase or download within the country.

The ban of Plague Inc. sparked considerable debate. While authorities never officially clarified the exact reasons, it’s widely believed that the game’s popularity surged during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its realistic portrayal of a global pandemic was deemed too sensitive given the then-current climate. The Chinese government likely considered the game’s mechanics and themes to be disruptive to social order, and potentially even detrimental to their narrative surrounding the handling of the pandemic. This action highlights the powerful role of government regulation in the Chinese gaming market, and the stringent control exerted over what content its citizens can access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gaming Bans in China

Here are 15 frequently asked questions addressing various aspects of gaming bans and regulations in China, providing a broader understanding of this complex landscape.

1. Why Does China Ban Games?

China bans games for a variety of reasons, all centered around maintaining social and political stability. Key concerns include:

Political Content: Games containing content critical of the Chinese government, its policies, or its leaders are frequently banned.
Violence and Gore: Excessive violence, gore, and depictions of cruelty are heavily scrutinized and can lead to bans.
Sexually Suggestive Content: Games with nudity, sexual themes, or content deemed morally objectionable are prohibited.
Gambling Mechanics: China has strict regulations against gambling, and games perceived as promoting or facilitating gambling activities are often banned.
Historical Revisionism: Games that portray historical events in a way that contradicts the official government narrative are often targeted.
Addiction Concerns: The government also expresses concern about gaming addiction among young people, leading to restrictions on gameplay time and content.

2. What Other Games Have Been Banned in China?

Beyond Plague Inc., numerous other games have faced bans or restrictions in China over the years. These include:

Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Banned due to players using the game to share politically sensitive content and memes.
Grand Theft Auto Series: Several titles in the GTA series have been banned due to their violent and criminal content.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG): While technically not banned outright, the original version was deemed too violent. A modified, government-approved version called Game for Peace, which promotes patriotic values, was released as a replacement.
Devotion: A Taiwanese horror game banned due to containing a hidden reference to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The Hunt: Showdown: Banned for violating rules prohibiting content with violence and gore.

3. Who Decides Which Games Get Banned?

The National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) is the primary regulatory body responsible for approving and censoring video games in China. The NRTA reviews games for compliance with established content guidelines and has the authority to ban or restrict access to games deemed unsuitable. Their decisions are often based on a combination of factors, including public opinion, government policy, and perceived threats to social stability.

4. What Happens When a Game is Banned?

When a game is banned in China, it is typically removed from all online stores and distribution platforms operating within the country. This includes the App Store, Google Play Store, and local Chinese game stores. Websites and online forums are also often censored to remove mentions of the game. Publishers risk severe penalties, including fines and business licenses revocation, if they continue to distribute the game.

5. Can Chinese Gamers Still Access Banned Games?

While banned games are officially unavailable within China, some gamers attempt to circumvent these restrictions through various methods:

Using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks): VPNs can mask a user’s IP address and allow them to access content from other countries. However, the use of VPNs is also heavily regulated in China.
Purchasing Physical Copies: In some cases, physical copies of banned games may circulate through underground channels.
Importing Digital Copies: Gamers may attempt to purchase digital copies from foreign online stores using foreign payment methods.
Piracy: Illegal downloads and pirated versions of banned games are also prevalent, although accessing them carries significant risk.

6. How Does China’s Gaming Regulation Affect Game Developers?

China’s strict gaming regulations have a significant impact on game developers, particularly those hoping to enter the lucrative Chinese market. Developers must navigate a complex and often unpredictable approval process, which can be lengthy and costly. They often need to:

Modify Content: Adapt their games to comply with Chinese content guidelines, which may involve removing or altering violent, sexual, or politically sensitive content.
Partner with a Local Publisher: Foreign game developers are typically required to partner with a Chinese publisher who can handle the regulatory approval process and distribution within China.
Obtain an ISBN (International Standard Book Number): All games released in China require an ISBN, which is issued by the NRTA. Obtaining an ISBN can be a difficult and time-consuming process.

7. What is the “Game for Peace” Version of PUBG?

As mentioned earlier, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) was deemed too violent for the Chinese market. To circumvent the ban, Tencent, the Chinese publisher, released a modified version of the game called Game for Peace. While the gameplay is largely similar, Game for Peace features significant changes:

Reduced Violence: Blood and gore are replaced with less graphic visual effects.
Patriotic Themes: The game promotes patriotic themes and military service.
Elimination of Ragdoll Physics: When a player is eliminated, they wave goodbye instead of collapsing realistically.
Emphasis on Teamwork and Cooperation: The game encourages teamwork and cooperation among players.

8. Are There Any Alternatives to Getting Games Approved in China?

Due to the strict regulations, alternative avenues for game releases within China are limited. Some developers explore these strategies:

Focusing on Niche Markets: Targeting specific demographics or genres that may face less scrutiny.
Mobile Game Development: The mobile gaming market is huge in China, and some developers find it easier to navigate regulations for mobile titles compared to PC or console games.
Developing Games with Chinese Cultural Themes: Games that celebrate Chinese culture and history may have a higher chance of approval.

9. How Do Gaming Bans Affect the Chinese Esports Industry?

Gaming bans can have a negative impact on the Chinese esports industry, particularly if popular esports titles are affected. If a game is banned, it becomes difficult to organize and participate in official tournaments, limiting the growth and development of the esports scene for that particular game. However, Chinese esports is still a massive industry, driven by games that are approved and supported by the government.

10. What are the Long-Term Implications of China’s Gaming Regulations?

China’s gaming regulations have long-term implications for the global gaming industry:

Increased Self-Censorship: Developers may proactively self-censor their games to increase their chances of approval in China, potentially affecting the creative vision of their titles.
Shift in Game Development Focus: Some developers may prioritize developing games that are more likely to comply with Chinese regulations, leading to a shift in the types of games being produced.
Impact on Global Gaming Culture: As China becomes an increasingly influential force in the global gaming market, its regulations could shape gaming culture worldwide.
- Educational Impact: The Games Learning Society fosters research and understanding of how games, learning, and society intersect, making them a valuable resource for navigating this complex landscape. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

11. What is the Social Credit System’s Relationship to Gaming?

While not directly related to gaming bans themselves, China’s social credit system has the potential to impact gamers. While the full extent of its influence is still developing, it’s possible that engaging in undesirable gaming behavior, such as playing banned games or spending excessive time gaming, could negatively affect a person’s social credit score.

12. Are there any positive aspects to China’s gaming regulations?

While often criticized, some argue that China’s gaming regulations have some potential positive aspects:

Protection of Minors: Regulations aimed at limiting gaming time for minors and preventing exposure to harmful content can be seen as a way to protect young people.
Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles: Efforts to combat gaming addiction may encourage individuals to engage in more balanced and healthy lifestyles.
Preservation of Cultural Values: Regulations aimed at preventing the spread of harmful or inappropriate content could help preserve traditional cultural values.

13. How are foreign game developers reacting to these restrictions?

Foreign game developers are adopting a variety of strategies to adapt to the restrictions, including:

Developing Partnerships: Establishing strong relationships with Chinese publishers is crucial for navigating the regulatory landscape.
Content Localization: Adapting game content to align with Chinese cultural values and sensitivities.
Self-Censorship: Proactively removing or modifying content that could be deemed problematic by regulators.
Exploring Alternative Markets: Diversifying their focus to include other markets with less stringent regulations.

14. Is there a black market for banned video games in China?

Yes, a black market exists for banned video games in China, although it operates discreetly and carries risks for both buyers and sellers. These channels often involve the distribution of pirated copies, smuggled physical versions, or access to games through VPNs and foreign accounts.

15. What does the future hold for gaming in China?

The future of gaming in China remains uncertain, but several trends are likely to continue:

Increased Government Regulation: The government is likely to maintain its strict regulatory control over the gaming industry.
Emphasis on “Positive” Content: Games that promote patriotic values, Chinese culture, and healthy lifestyles are likely to be favored.
Growth of the Mobile Gaming Market: Mobile gaming will likely continue to be a dominant force in the Chinese market.
Increased International Collaboration: Despite the challenges, foreign and Chinese game developers will likely continue to collaborate and adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape.

China’s gaming regulations are a constantly evolving landscape, reflecting the country’s unique political and social context. Understanding these regulations is essential for anyone involved in the global gaming industry, from developers to players to researchers at the GamesLearningSociety.org and beyond. Staying informed and adapting to the changing environment is crucial for navigating this complex and dynamic market.

What game was banned in China?