China introduces stricter smartphone game approval process

China’s State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) has laid down new regulations intended to improve the quality of mobile game offerings in China, according to a report in Lexology. This introduces a approval process for apps, which could affect a majority of mobile gaming content available in China. This is because only 5 percent of existing games are compliant with the new rules. The regulations require the developer to register as “Game Publishing Service Entity” and be responsible for all the content in the game.

There is a quick approval process for some very specific kinds of casual games. The game should not be about any potentially controversial topics such as politics, nationality, defence and religion. The copyright of the game should be held by Chinese citizens. The game should be without a rich story, and it should be a pick up and play title in any of the popular categories such as match 3, sidescrolling shooter, puzzle, one tap, or board games.

The games should include a separate menu for certifications, which contains all the information about the developer and the source of the game. Updates to games will also have to go through the same approval process. Games are also required to show a screen at startup that encourages healthy gaming.