Due to the complexities of covering the China games market and the history of Chinese government actions, it is easy for news stories to make the rounds using some incorrect information

The below being an example. I will explain why this viral tweet is completely incorrect-

1/
- Sony updated its ToS for all users globally recently, including those in Asia / Hong Kong.

- The screenshot above is not related to new changes. This part of the ToS has been in the Asia ToS for PlayStation devices for years.

- It is also Mainland China specific.

2/
- Therefore it cannot be in response to the new Hong Kong National Security Law, nor does it apply to Hong Kong

- The ToS image is above is just the 'Interim Administrative Provisions on Internet Culture' law which was introduced in China during 2003 for all online products

3/
- In other words, this law is 17 years old and is the law that all gaming companies have to abide by when operating in Mainland China.

- Sony in particular has had this in their ToS for years. Here is the Asia ToS from wayback machine in 2018.

web.archive.org/web/2018012900…
To sum up.

PlayStation's ToS update did not change or add the above.

The part already there has been there since 2003 in all gaming platforms and is just standard Chinese law.

It does not apply to Hong Kong or Global, nor is the National Security Law the reason for it.
This 2003 law is very broad and open to interpretation, as with all Chinese laws. But this is nothing new for people in China, who already deal with these censorship laws.

Anyway. Here is PlayStation Asia ToS from October 2020 to support above.

legaldoc.dl.playstation.net/ps3-eula/psn/h…

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More from @ZhugeEX

6 Oct
People have asked me why this is:

1. MiHoYo is a Mainland China based developer

2. China's laws and games regulator state that games cannot contain "Anything that threatens China's national unity"

3. All Chinese games censor phrases such as Taiwan / Hong Kong due to this
Chinese developed games have to comply with a ton of content and in game censorship rules because of these laws and regulations

There is a list of banned words that cannot be used in game / via chat functions

Foreign developers also need to comply when publishing games in China
Here is an extract from our China Regulations and Approval Process report that we released earlier this year.

nikopartners.com/niko-partners-…
Read 6 tweets
17 Sep
A quick thread on the PS5 showcase + Strategy:

- Overall a strong showing that focused on blockbuster IP playable on PS5.

- Key exclusive content from first party and select partners.

- Competitive pricing options and global roll out in November.

PlayStation have tailored their PS5 showcases around first year games for the most part since June.

All the major new games showcased, including God of War Ragnarok (PS5 Exclusive), Final Fantasy XVI (PS5 Console Exclusive) and Hogwarts Legends (Multiplat) are 2021 titles.
The emphasis, as noted in the first tweet, is very much on these blockbuster IP releasing soon and PlayStation 5 being the best place to play.

In addition to exclusive games, Sony continues to invest in exclusive content for third party games. E..g. COD Beta / GTA Online free.
Read 19 tweets
11 Sep
Apple clarifies that it will allow cloud game services on iOS if each game is individually approved by Apple

Apple still takes a 30% cut on subscriptions via iOS. But subscribing via PC/Console will allow you to access the iOS app too.

techcrunch.com/2020/09/11/app…
The huge caveat here is that Apple requires each game to have an individual listing and can be purchased or downloaded separately from the subscription service. This could also be a demo version of the game.

One step forward, two steps back imo.
So yes, this is somewhat good news for xCloud, Stadia and other cloud gaming services.

But it's also going to be complicated to implement and may not be something that a cloud game service provider wants to offer in the first place.

Will be interesting to see responses.
Read 8 tweets
5 Sep
Tencent and Tim Hortons will create esports themed coffee shops, including esports themed beverages, food and in store activities

- Tim Hortons opened its first coffee shop in China last year. Plan to open 1,500

- Tencent invested an undisclosed amount in the company this May
- The traditional Internet Cafe business model needs innovation and offline mobile gaming / esports cafe's is one avenue being explored.

- Customised spaces:

Fast Wi-fi, Gaming chairs, fast charging ports etc...

Traditional food and drink experience

In store events
- Coffee shops can become the third place for gamers and esports fans in the offline world.

- Backing from Tencent will allow for a broad range of content / initiatives in store.

- Drive customer loyalty through experience
Read 4 tweets
28 Aug
Chinese games company iDreamsky is creating new offline entertainment / gaming experiences with investment partners including Tencent, Sony & JD

Best described as the next generation of Internet Cafes, these retail stores offer compelling entertainment experiences

Quick thread
iDreamsky is working with its investors to design a new innovative offline interactive entertainment service model that grows the value of entertainment and games IP.

The store aims to offer content across TV, Movies, Games & esports paired with e-commerce and catering.
The store offers both private and large scale spaces to experience various content.

For example you have the ability to watch on demand movie content in private rooms, or arrange a traditional theatre experience for 20+ people. Includes movies not out on VOD yet. Also KTV rooms
Read 10 tweets
22 Aug
The studio behind Black Myth: Wu Kong did an interview with Chinese media recently. You can watch it below (In Mandarin).

I will include some of the answers + other info from different interviews / posts in a thread below.

1. This game was known internally as Project S. If you followed any of the team on art station or other sites you could see they had been posting art and other teasers from the game for months, but this is when they have finally been able to show off the game in full to the world
2. The studio released this trailer to show the world what they had worked on, recruit new staff who have passion to work on the project, and to network better in the games industry.

3. They remain committed to creating a single player Action Adventure RPG with AAA standards.
Read 18 tweets

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