After a "public outcry" about the negative effects of computer games, the Vietnamese government has begun issuing measures to restrict online games.
Games that require a server will be limited to three hours of playtime per day for each gamer. However, educational and cultural games will be permitted for up to five hours per day. Internet cafes will be required to cease offering game service between 11PM and 6AM every day.
Vietnam's Ministry of Information and Communications is drawing up legislation to deal with offline games.
What's more, game operators must detail the level of violence in their games and submit a report. Also, they need to break down games into age groups like 6-11, 12-15, 15-18 and 18 and up.
All these measures are temporary measures and in place up until the end of the year. Vietnam's Ministry of Information and Communications aims to have a finalized plan for how it will deal with the gaming industry.
Previously, Vietnam placed restrictions on freedom of speech on the internet, including issuing regulations on blogging. Some of the actions the country are taking with gaming sound more like baby steps towards rating games. Well, that and not allowing people to play games whenever they please. Communism!
Vietnam Comes Down Hard on Online Games [GamePolitics] [Pic]