China forbids minors from playing violent games

Despite a booming online gaming industry, China has decided to ban players under the age of 18 from playing games that allow players to kill other players. Online gaming operators have been ordered to develop authentication systems that will effectively prevent minors from accessing games that allow Player Kills (PK)—this includes games like World of Warcraft.

A recent survey revealed that 15.8% of Internet users in China were under 18—that's more than 16 million people. This particular population accounts for a significant percentage of China's online gaming market. Commenting on the decision, China's Ministry of Culture has said, "Online games that have PK content usually also contain acts of violence and leads to players spending too much time trying to increase the power of their characters. They are harmful to young people."

[via GameInsider]