Cultural Checkpoints - China’s Censorship of Skeletons in Games

China is known for having strong content regulations and restrictions for video games. Many find it one of the most challenging markets to break into, requiring careful consideration of your game design choices or how you might localize.

In 2018, China’s State Administration of Press and Publication (SAPP) was formed, becoming the gaming regulator in charge of game approvals in the country. Publishers would submit their games to them for review, before they are given approval to be distributed in China.

Some of the guidance includes restrictions on images of dead bodies and pools of blood. This was originally worked around by developers who decided to change the color of the blood, but another rule was added to prevent this.

While there isn’t a blanket ban on skeletons in games, as most people believe, there are restrictions on them in line with other regulations. In China, skeletons fall under the broader description of superstition, which violates policy. This is discouraged as it’s rooted in the country's history and the communist party's effort to promote scientific rationalism and modernize society. In certain contexts, skeletons can relate to death and ghosts, signifying the supernatural.

Depictions of skeletons and the deceased also risk crossing the line of cultural insensitivity. Traditional Chinese culture places a very high value on ancestral respect and respecting the deceased. Anything that goes against this can be deemed offensive, which has led to unease about some developers portraying death, in case it’s seen as dishonoring or trivializing it.

While games are not inherently banned because of this, developers might want to think twice about graphic depictions and whether they might be violating censorship regulations. You may want to consider changes or, even better, find a good localization partner to help you adapt aspects of your game, while retaining the original tone, style, and player experience.

ECI Games is your localization partner, delivering quality, communication, and expertise every time. Find out how we can help you reach players across the globe; get in touch now!

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