Shanghai unveils new online game policies to ease licensing challenges

The Shanghai Online Game Industry Association has released a notice outlining policies on online game management in the Chinese city. 

As reported by Sohu and Niko Partners, these new policies include ICP license pre-examination, mini-program game filing, test game filing, and a real-name authentication system review.

The city also introduced the Shanghai Online Game Publishing Application Service Platform, allowing registered companies to collaborate with publishers for game license approvals. 

Shanghai allows mini-program games to be filed if they are locally registered, have simple gameplay, avoid specific content, rely on ads or have no revenue, and lack in-game purchases.

The city's new ICP license pre-approval rules follow similar policies in Guangdong and Sichuan, indicating a possible expansion of regional games regulations across China. These measures aim to ease regulatory challenges and simplify game licensing and publishing. 

Elevating China's games industry 

Last month, The9 Limited and Qing Cheng formed a joint venture to expand mobile game operations in China’s lower-tier markets. Qing Cheng will provide distribution and development support, aiming for ¥80 million ($11m) in profit by 2025. 

Meanwhile, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has partnered with Tencent to grow the Esports World Cup in China, forming a dedicated development team to enhance esports engagement. 

Elsewhere, China approved 136 games in January, including Tencent’s Honor of Kings: World, marking the first batch of licensed games in 2025.