China SAPPRFT Issued Implementation Rules To Streamline The Approval Process Of Mobile Games

Synopsis:

• From July 1, 2016, no mobile game can be published without pre-approval from the SAPPRFT.
• A simplified approval process which is expected to complete within 18 working days will be applicable to qualified domestic games.
• More holders of Online Publishing License will take part in the mobile game ecosystem and revenue share.

On June 2, 2016, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television ("SAPPRFT", "国家新闻出版广电总局") promulgated the Notice on the Administration of Publishing Services of Mobile Games ("Notice", 《关于移动游戏出版服务管理的通知》) to set out the pre-approval requirements of publishing mobile games in China. The Notice will take effect on July 1, 2016 and will be applicable to any mobile game published in China, regardless of the game genre, origin or the platforms to be distributed (Android or iOS). At present, only around 5% of mobile games in the market are reportedly compliant with such requirements and the existing