China’s rules on minors’ protection affect player registration, playing hours and spending in online games operated in mainland China. Reviewing these requirements early helps studios identify changes needed for the Chinese version and coordinate implementation with local partners.
This article focuses on online games operated in mainland China. For games distributed through international platforms, the applicable requirements should be assessed separately based on the distribution and operating model.
Real Name Verification and Playing Time
China’s restrictions on minors’ use of online games apply to players under 18. Under the National Press and Publication Administration’s rules, online games must connect to its anti-addiction real-name verification system. All users must register and log in using valid identity information, and unverified users cannot be given access through a guest mode.
Online game companies may provide services to minors only between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Beijing time on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays. Operating schedules should also account for China’s holiday and adjusted working-day arrangements.
In practice, minors may use a parent’s or another adult’s identity information to register and play. Connecting to the verification system does not automatically shield operators from liability. Courts may also consider whether operators have taken reasonable measures to identify and address the use of adult accounts by minors, including checks on unusual account activity or spending.
These requirements affect account systems and access controls. Studios should confirm how the Chinese version will verify users, respond to suspected identity misuse, apply age-based restrictions and end access when the permitted playing period expires.
Online game providers should also assess the age suitability of their games and display prominent notices on download, registration and login screens. Studios should refer to the Online Game Age-Suitability Notice standard (《网络游戏适龄提示》), issued by the China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association, which sets out 8+, 12+ and 16+ categories and rules for displaying the corresponding labels. An age rating obtained in another market does not replace China’s age-suitability notice requirements.
Payments and Refund Requests
China also limits paid online game services for minors. Children under 8 cannot be offered paid game services. For players aged 8 to 15, each top-up is capped at RMB 50 and total monthly top-ups at RMB 200. For players aged 16 and 17, the corresponding limits are RMB 100 and RMB 400. These limits apply to paid game services supplied by the same online game company, rather than separately to each title.
The Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace also require reasonable limits on individual purchases and total daily spending. Studios should review how virtual currency, item purchases and payment channels work together so that the controls operate consistently.
Refund handling requires attention as well. Where a minor with limited civil capacity makes payments beyond what is appropriate for their age and understanding, and the transaction has not been authorized or subsequently approved by a guardian, the guardian may seek a refund. A clear process for reviewing such requests, supported by relevant account and transaction records, can help operators resolve disputes.
China’s approach to protecting minors in online games combines mandatory real-name verification with fixed playing hours and age-based spending limits. For overseas studios releasing in China, these requirements shape how the Chinese version manages registration, access and payments. Effective implementation also requires procedures for addressing minors’ use of adult identities, enforcing spending limits and handling refund requests.