NetEase to limit the amount of time China’s youth spend gaming

Chinese giant NetEase Games has for the first time moved to limit the amount of time China’s youth spend playing its games, highlighting the increased scrutiny of the country’s gaming sector.

Gaming companies have faced greater oversight for their alleged involvement in childhood gaming addiction. Last year, state mouthpiece the People’s Daily called Tencent’s online multiplayer title “Honour of Kings” poison, saying greater regulation of social games is needed.

NetEase will limit users 12-years-old and under to one hour of gameplay a day from Monday to Fridays, and two hours on Saturdays and Sundays, the company said in a statement. Gamers between the ages of 13 and 18 will be permitted to play two hours on weekdays and three hours on weekends.

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