In a recent development, Feng Shixin, the head of the publishing unit of the Communist Party’s Publicity Department, has been discharged from his position. This comes in the wake of proposed gaming regulations by the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA), which led to a significant depreciation in the stocks of China’s video game industry.
The NPPA’s proposed regulations aimed at curbing spending and the use of incentives encouraging video gaming. However, these regulations had a negative impact on the market value of China’s two largest gaming companies, including Tencent Holdings Ltd.
The new gaming regulations introduced in December were seen as burdensome for smaller developers. Analysts predicted a decrease in overall online advertising revenue and identified the regulations as a potential threat to the gaming industry. This raised concerns about the future of the gaming sector in China.
However, the regulations faced opposition and were not implemented as initially proposed. After a severe slump in the stock values of major players like Tencent and NetEase Inc, Chinese regulators hinted at a possible revision of the regulations. This led to a recovery in the shares of these companies.
The gaming industry in China has been facing challenges in recent years, with tightening regulations across various sectors, including technology and property. 2022 marked the first year of contraction in total revenue for the Chinese gaming industry. The proposed regulations further added to the uncertainty and volatility in the market.
The discharge of Feng Shixin from his position reflects the government’s response to the negative impact of the proposed regulations. It remains to be seen how the gaming industry in China will evolve and adapt to the changing regulatory landscape.
Overall, the gaming industry in China has been navigating through a challenging period, with regulatory changes impacting the market value of major companies. The proposed regulations and the subsequent revision indicate the government’s efforts to strike a balance between promoting responsible gaming and supporting the industry’s growth. The future of the gaming sector in China will depend on how these regulations are implemented and whether they can foster a sustainable and thriving gaming ecosystem.
