The BBC today reports that those governing the Malaysian city of Subang Jaya, near the capital Kuala Lumpur, have announced they are cracking-down on net cafes where online games can be played, amid fears that addiction levels are becoming a social problem. The Chinese and South Korean governments are also faced with similar problems, and China in particular has been highly pro-active in limiting the amount of time that can be spent in games. Authorities in the Malay city have given police powers to close cafes allowing gamers to play late into the night, the move being taken after a mother afraid for her missing son found him playing in a cafe during a 48-hour mammoth stint. The new rules governing net cafes will be introduced from next year.

Under the laws, cafes will have to separate gaming and surfing areas, obtaining a separate entertainment licence to allow gaming. Gaming areas of said cafes will be required to close at midnight, under the new legislation. Officers will be sent to patrol night cafes and check that owners are abiding by the new legislation. Many gamers resent this intrusion into their hobby, whilst other citizens have welcomed the news, saying they believe it will help cut crime and addiction levels.

With gaming, especially the online variety, booming across east-Asia like never before, it won't be long before other countries beginning introducing laws to combat the negative impacts of excessive play - like China are already doing. More soon.

Source: BBC News

By Luke Guttridge

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