China Temporarily Lifts Ban on Game Consoles

Special free trade zone established in Shanghai with sales unrestricted through China.

Posted By | On 07th, Jan. 2014

xbox-one_ps4

After speculation that China’s State Council was considering lifting the ban on gaming consoles, Reuters now reports that the ban has been temporarily lifted to allow for the sale of video game consoles. This is the first time the ban has been lifted in 14 years and allows for companies such as Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo to officially distribute their hardware in the country.

As of now, a special free trade zone has been established in Shanghai where consoles can be manufactured and then sold throughout the country without any problems. The company in question will need to seek approval from the Chinese State Council first though. So if the console company in question were, say, EA then it might be a bit tougher for them to gain approval (following the banning of Battlefield 4). Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo should be fine though.

What do you make of this development and how long do you think it will last? Let us know in the comments below.


Amazing Articles You Might Want To Check Out!

Keep On Reading!

“Halo is on PlayStation Going Forward,” Confirms Halo Studios Community Director

“Halo is on PlayStation Going Forward,” Confirms Halo Studios Community Director

Halo Studios' Brian Jarrard says the remake coming to PlayStation is "just going to mean more Halo for everyon...

Halo: Campaign Evolved’s Changes Criticized by Original Level Designer

Halo: Campaign Evolved’s Changes Criticized by Original Level Designer

Jamie Griesemer also lambasted the new sprint. “We have no vision for what this is supposed to be, here’s ...

Halo: Campaign Evolved Uses Original’s “Legacy Code” as The Foundation For Unreal Engine 5’s Visuals

Halo: Campaign Evolved Uses Original’s “Legacy Code” as The Foundation For Unreal Engine 5’s Visuals

Director Greg Hermann says the studio will "continue to push the boundaries of technology" while maintaining t...

Halo: Campaign Evolved Lacks PvP Because “We’re Not Trying to Replace the Original,” Says Producer

Halo: Campaign Evolved Lacks PvP Because “We’re Not Trying to Replace the Original,” Says Producer

Instead, Halo Studios is "trying to basically make something that stands kind of shoulder to shoulder" with th...

Commander Shepard’s Iconic Voice Actor Willing to Return for Mass Effect 5: “I Love That Universe”

Commander Shepard’s Iconic Voice Actor Willing to Return for Mass Effect 5: “I Love That Universe”

"I’m ready. Anytime. Krogan? Salarian? Turian? The possibilities are endless," said Jennifer Hale, though sh...

As Halo Goes Multiplatform, Xbox’s Matt Booty Says “Our Biggest Competition Isn’t Another Console”

As Halo Goes Multiplatform, Xbox’s Matt Booty Says “Our Biggest Competition Isn’t Another Console”

"We are competing more and more with everything from TikTok to movies," said the president of Xbox game conten...