The South China Morning Post reported that the Chinese Government may be considering ending its 13-year long ban upon the sale of consoles. However, they must be manufactured in Shanghai's free-trade district.

Since 2000, consoles have been banned by the Chinese government due to concerns over the physical and mental damage they may inflict on children or young adults. This was the time when the debate of whether console and computer gaming being harmful was highly controversial and just starting out. Since 2000, thousands of experiments have been carried out with varying results on the impact gaming has on a persons mental and physical health.

Documents belonging to the government arose stating that foreign manufacturers such as Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, will be able to sell their products in the country but would require

"culture-related authorities" to approve, promote and sell the products.

It's widely known that many import consoles into the country illegally for sale in the black market due to the restrictions. Portable devices such as iPhone's and iPad's are not banned however, due to them not being classed as 'gaming devices'.





Gamespot reached out to Microsoft for comment on the situation and received -

"We are always evaluating how and where to expand Xbox availability to other parts of the world, but have no additional comment at this time." however, Sony and Nintendo did not respond. In addition, one of however, Sony and Nintendo did not respond. In addition, one of Gamespot's sources told them

"They still need approval from the culture ministry and other relevant government bodies for their products, which I think is reasonable, because the government wants to make sure the content of your games is not too violent or politically sensitive for young people."

The removal of the ban would not come at a better time for the 3 biggest names in gaming. What are your views of gaming upon health? Let us know below!







