After being in place for fifteen years, China’s State Council has officially lifted the ban on the sale of games consoles.
It was first put in place in 2000 over fears that video games caused adverse effects on the mental health of young people. Due to the inability of console giants such as Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft to crack the Chinese market, PC gaming has thrived. In 2014, the ban was previously relaxed, however this was limited to the production and distribution of games consoles within Shanghai’s free trade zone.
Speaking to the BBC, Chris Green, an analyst with Davies Murphy Group stated: “Now this is going to be a race to see who can be first to market, who can get a factory in the Free Trade Zone up and running and get consoles off the production line the fastest.” He also noted that due to Microsoft outsourcing its hardware production, the company could have the competitive edge over Sony and Nintendo, who manufacture in their own factories.
Source: BBC
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