South Korean MP calls for similar regulation of games, drugs and more

South Korean politician Shin Eui-jin has revealed a bill proposing that games, along with alcohol, gambling and drugs, be strictly regulated.

According to reports translated by Kotaku, the conservative MP argued that all four are a capable of bringing about addiction.

The former medical professor has 14 other representatives onside already, although it has not been presented to the National Assembly yet.

The local games industry has argued that regulation will hinder growth. It may have a point, as the bill is said to contain language suggesting the government could interfere with aspects of development and marketing.

South Korea produces some of the most talented gamers in the world and has a very healthy eSports scene. It also regularly assesses concerns that its citizens are playing too many games, as when considering bills to introduce a curfew on gaming for minors, or stop people playing for lengthy periods over successive days.