During one of several Panels at this years GDC was a discussion on MMOs role in the Chinese Market. This panel was lead by Eugene Evens of Mythic Entertainment and Adam Lang of Shanda Interactive Entertainment.

They mentioned that the Chinese Market is so regulated, the government could shut down a company almost instantly, giving examples of how in the past IPs of both Google and Yahoo have been blocked - 'So just imagine what they could do to a gaming company'

For an MMO to be published in China, the government must review each game on content. If PvP content is considered into this, local police forces have to approve it. Players of the game, especially children are monitored so that PvP content will not result in violence in the neighborhoods. In addition, the government also believes that online games cause a bad effect on China's general society.

With such strict rules, in conclusion the panel interpreted that the Chinese government is like this to act like a 'caring parent', reminding children there is life outside MMOs and video games in general.