China has been manufacturing game consoles for years, but for the last fifteen years, laws have prevented its own citizens from buying them. 

In 2000, the Chinese government enacted a ban on game consoles, aiming to prevent Chinese youth from wasting time gaming and focus on their studies instead. Other reasons listed for the ban included "threatening state security, damaging the nation's glory, disturbing social order and infringing on others’ legitimate rights."

Last year, China began to allow game consoles. Now, it has lifted its ban entirely, allowing the sale of video games in the country.

Image: Wikipedia. Image 1.Image: Wikipedia

Previously, PC cafes were jam packed with people playing online games.

China will still continue to ban certain titles for what they consider "inappropriate themes," such as Command and Conquer

Sky News reports that "consoles manufactured in the Shanghai Free-Trade Zone will automatically be approved for sale in the rest of the country."



 Sony and Microsoft have announced plans to manufacture games in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone.

 Research firm Newzoo BV reports that the Chinese gaming market, including mobile games, is estimated to be worth approximately $22.2 billion.

 Until recently, games and consoles could still be purchased in Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong.

Cover image: Wikimedia Commons