Curfew Proposed to Curb Online Gaming Addiction in Vietnam

Curfew Proposed to Curb Online Gaming Addiction in Vietnam

A new draft issued by Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) on May 13 stated that online gamers will not be allowed to play internet games beyond 10p.m. In the same manner, online game companies are prohibited to run their games starting from the restriction time and could only resume operations at 8 in the morning. The proposal came up so the government can finally get a grip of its youth’s addiction on the irresistible game fever that hit the country some few years back.

The new craze, now rapidly rising in popularity since online games emerged in Vietnam’s market in 2004, is seen to get in the way of youth’s studies. Students are seen hanging around internet cafes for long hours which have caused a decline in their performances in school. But following the proposal, the government sector responsible for such also held a seminar so the planned curfew could be discussed thoroughly and for them to yield public opinions on the issue.

While the office of MIC strongly believe that regulation is necessary to prevent the increased occurrence of negative effects arising from the new phenomenon, officials from the country’s top online game providers disagree on several aspects of the government’s argument. From the estimated over 200,000 gamers in the country, they insist that a considerable number are adults who themselves, do not have the opportunity to play before 10 p.m. They insist that it is not fair for the proposed regulation to affect also the adult gamers since they account for a large portion of their customers who has the financial capacity to draw in profits. As for the youngsters, they believe that it is the parents’ responsibilities to ensure their kids’ are home at decent hours.

Interviews conducted on gamers themselves reeled in equally mixed views. Some expressed distaste on the proposal as they argue it is only after 10p.m. where they have the opportunity to go online and entertain themselves through games after coming home from work at 5 and spending a few extra hours on household responsibilities. Others also added that if the regulation pushes through, gamers might turn to foreign games as a resort.

A closer look at the draft reveals more issues which are now under debate. The regulation states that each person is only allowed a maximum of five hours a day if engaged in ‘preferential games’, a term used to label games with contents aimed at introducing and promoting Vietnam’s history and culture. On the other hand, a three-hour limit is imposed when playing other games. Game suppliers believe that regardless the type of game engaged in, users should be permitted the entire five hours of play. The ministry, however, admits the need for their office to review their draft and make the necessary adjustments before submitting it to the Prime Minister for approval the following month.

Regulating the number of gaming hours for internet users may indeed sound outrageous for other regions who are implementing ultimate liberty on these issues. But considering the direction of growth of digital entertainment market and online gaming in the country, driven by rising incomes, increasing PC and internet penetration rates, and a large population of teens that are actively seeking out online entertainment, it may have had an impact on the teens in general. Apart from spending an average of 60,000 to 100,000 VND (3-6 USD) per month on gaming alone, and even 500,000 VND (31 USD) on high-end gaming spots, reasons concerning the welfare of these kids hooked deeply into online gaming is the very reason why the government believes something needs to be done.