China outlines content restrictions following dissolution of console ban

The Chinese government has published a list of guidelines as to what content is inadmissible following the lifting of its longstanding ban on video games and consoles.

The publication of the list follows a report on the matter which called the guidelines a "screen to block mosquitoes".

GamesinAsia reports developers who wish to release games in China will have to submit their games to the Shanghai culture department for assessment. The approvals process is expected to take no more than 20 days and to provide clear feedback on rejections where applicable.

All console games must have a simplified Chinese version, ruling out un-localised Taiwanese or Hong Kong releases, and game updates will also have to be approved.

The list of points below is vague enough that Asian reports are pessimistic, but it's hoped that Shanghai officials will be more flexible than the national Ministry of Culture might have been.

• Gambling-related content or game features.
• Anything that violates China’s constitution.
• Anything that threatens China’s national unity, sovereignty, or territorial integrity.
• Anything that harms the nation’s reputation, security, or interests.
• Anything that instigates racial/ethnic hatred, or harms ethnic traditions and cultures.
• Anything that violates China’s policy on religion by promoting cults or superstitions.
• Anything that promotes or incites obscenity, drug use, violence, or gambling.
• Anything that harms public ethics or China’s culture and traditions.
• Anything that insults, slanders, or violates the rights of others.
• Other content that violates the law.

Thanks, GamePolitics.