09 country to recognise the potential harmful impact of video game addiction . In 2019 , the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) officially recognised gaming disorder as a mental illness as part of its 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases ( ICD-11 ).
“ Studies suggest that gaming disorder affects only a small proportion of people who engage in digital- or video-gaming activities ,” the WHO said .
“ However , people who partake in gaming should be alert to the amount of time they spend on gaming activities , particularly when it is to the exclusion of other daily activities , as well as to any changes in their physical or psychological health and social functioning that could be attributed to
“ People who partake in gaming should be alert to the amount of time they spend on gaming activities , particularly when it is to the exclusion of other daily activities , as well as to any changes in their physical or psychological health and social functioning that could be attributed to their pattern of gaming behaviour ”
World Health Organisation
their pattern of gaming behaviour .” In China , the new restrictions are enforced through a real-name verification system , tied to the citizen ’ s government-issued identification . Should a minor try to play games outside of the permitted time period using their own identification , they would be rejected from accessing the game .
Some observers worry the restrictions could have long-term implications to the country ’ s esports industry , such as preventing the next generation of esports professionals from being able to adequately train , compared to their international rivals . There are also concerns about whether other governments may take a similar approach , though this is seen as unlikely for established esports markets , such as Europe and the US .
Chinese authorities have not yet publicly shared how they aim to address these issues , though some believe measures will be put in place to protect the country ’ s fast-growing esports industry , such as exceptions for players training for tournaments or for school / university esports-related education programmes and other professional events .
March 2022