China has officially lifted a 14-year ban on selling video game consoles, though foreign console companies looking to make a big splash in the country will still gave to work around its difficult censorship rules.
Companies like Sony Corp., Nintendo Co., and Microsoft Corp. will be able to manufacture and sell its consoles in China through "foreign-invested enterprises" in Shanghai's free trade zone, according to Reuters.
China is recognized as the world's third biggest gaming market. Revenues increased by over a third in 2012 to $14 billion in 2013.
Piracy remains an issue in China however, and the dominance of mobile and PC gaming might leave little room for console and game sales.
Console games will have to receive approval from Shanghai's local culture department, according to Reuters. Companies will have to ensure the games don't hurt China's national unity, reputation, or territorial integrity.
"Game developers should be worried about selling their content in China, especially when you talk about the violent games, shooting people's arms, heads popping off, and a lot of games also have political background, such as America against North Korea," said Serkan Toto, a Tokyo-based video games analyst, according to Reuters.
Games also can't promote racial hatred, gambling, violence, drugs, or racial hatred.
This could prevent a number of games from being sold, including Grand Theft Auto, Battlefield, and Call of Duty.
"A lot of these games are actual multi-million dollar games, so I'm not really sure how these kind of games will resonate with Chinese censorship - my feeling is probably not that good," said Toto.
China banned game consoles in 200, citing adverse effects on the mental health of its youth, according to Reuters.
The ban was temporarily lifted in January.
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