Chinese regulators announced comprehensive rules on Friday to curb spending on online games impacting the world’s largest gaming market. The regulations include spending limits for online games and a ban on certain player rewards.
The announcement triggered investor panic, erasing nearly $80 billion in market value from China’s top gaming companies, Tencent Holdings and NetEase.
Tencent’s shares plummeted by up to 16%, while NetEase saw a drop of as much as 25%. The new rules prohibit daily log-in rewards, first-time spending rewards, and consecutive spending incentives in online games.
The tech investor Prosus, owning a 26% stake in Tencent, also experienced a 14.2% decline in its shares. This regulatory move has raised concerns about policy risks and damaged investor confidence in the gaming sector.
Broader Implications and Industry Adaptations
The new regulations represent Beijing’s increasing scrutiny of the gaming industry, continuing the trend from previous restrictions like playtime limits for minors. These rules aim to curb in-game spending and require games to set limits on digital wallet top-ups. They also prohibit probability-based draws for minors and auctioning of virtual items. However, the industry may find some relief in the proposal requiring a 60-day deadline for game approvals.
The announcement also included licenses for 40 new imported games, suggesting a potential opening for more games in China despite the strict regulations. Additionally, these rules highlight Beijing’s focus on data security, mandating that game publishers store their servers within China. The administration seeks public comment on the rules until January 22, 2024. With notable declines in U.S. and European gaming stocks, the global gaming market has felt the ripple effects.
