Mobile game developers in China have recently encountered difficulties getting their games approved by authorities, merely because there are English words in the games.
A regulation by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of The People’s Republic of China from July 1 has banned English words in games.
Developers have expressed their frustration, especially given that even words like “mission start”, “mission complete”, “GO” and “Lucky” are not allowed in the user interfaces of their games.
Even traditional Chinese characters and words implying violence are also prohibited. The Chinese authorities have “suggested” that game developers replace them with simplified Chinese characters.
The regulation has caused strong reactions among Chinese netizens. Here are some comments from Sina Weibo users:
Why is “CCTV” (China Central Television) in English?
–RenxingzizupaoEX
Arabic numerals should also be replaced by Chinese one, two, three…
–Wudashu
By the way, programmers should write the codes in simplified Chinese too.
–yiroyi
The Chinese authorities have previously forbidden CCTV from using English words or abbreviations including NBA, GDP, WTO and CPI in broadcasts, interviews and subtitles in 2010. However, English has somehow found a way back.
(Top photo from games.renren.com)
