Rumor: SNS Game Developers Must Register with GAPP
Sohu IT, 12/30/09
Chinese SNS game developers have reportedly received notice from China's General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) requiring them to register their games. The developers say that registration requires three documents: a Network Cultural Business Operations License from China's Ministry of Culture; proof of IPR ownership; and a publication serial number.
One industry source said that SNS game registration is a strictly enforced requirement. The GAPP notice has reportedly been received by only several large game studios, while smaller studios were not contacted.
Editor's Note: China's Ministry of Culture has stated that a company must have at least RMB 10 mln in registered capital in order to obtain a Network Cultural Business Operations License. SNS games will reportedly be required to pay a RMB 70,000 approval fee for a publication serial number, followed by an annual fee of RMB 20,000. For more background on this topic, please see "China Prohibits Vegetable "Stealing" in SNS Games" MD 12/17/09 issue.
Keywords: regulation online gaming Internet Ministry of Culture SNS GAPP Network Cultural Business Operations License
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