Gaming is getting get harder in China for the 18 and under crowd. The government is forcing online game operators like NASDAQ-listed Shanda, NetEase and The9 to use anti-addiciton software that limits the time underage gamers can play. Games not embedded with the new software by July 16th will be shut down! With the installed program, kids can play up to three hours of online games like WoW or whatever no problem. In the two hours following that, the player's points are cut in half, and after five hours, the points are reduced to zero. It's not possible to earn anymore. What's more, a warning will also start popping up every 15 minutes warning of "unhealthy game time." This new system will require players to log-in with their real names and i.d. card numbers. Analyst Liu Bin

The system requires every online player to register with their real identity. This will scare away many adult and young users.

Can't play for hours on end and you have to enter your real name? Over 18 or not, Kinda takes the fun out of it. Brian Ashcraft

China's New Gaming Policy [People's Daily via Games Industry]