Caught in the Net: Online Gaming

Players of World of Warcraft, Dungeons & Dragons, and other popular multiplayer, online role-playing games may now have fewer Chinese competitors to contend with. As part of Beijing’s decision to promote a "healthy online culture," game makers in China are being forced to put time limits on young players. Before playing, Chinese gamers are required ...

Players of World of Warcraft, Dungeons & Dragons, and other popular multiplayer, online role-playing games may now have fewer Chinese competitors to contend with. As part of Beijing's decision to promote a "healthy online culture," game makers in China are being forced to put time limits on young players. Before playing, Chinese gamers are required to enter their state ID numbers. A program then tracks the playing time of anyone under 18, for whom, Beijing says, three hours is enough. At that point, a message prompts them to stop and "do suitable physical exercise." Apparently, for China's 3 million-plus young gamers, play time is over.

Players of World of Warcraft, Dungeons & Dragons, and other popular multiplayer, online role-playing games may now have fewer Chinese competitors to contend with. As part of Beijing’s decision to promote a "healthy online culture," game makers in China are being forced to put time limits on young players. Before playing, Chinese gamers are required to enter their state ID numbers. A program then tracks the playing time of anyone under 18, for whom, Beijing says, three hours is enough. At that point, a message prompts them to stop and "do suitable physical exercise." Apparently, for China’s 3 million-plus young gamers, play time is over.

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