Principles for managing online video games in Vietnam from December 25, 2024

Principles for managing online video games in Vietnam from December 25, 2024​ (Image from the internet)

On November 9, 2024, the Government of Vietnam issued Decree 147/2024/ND-CP regarding the management, provision, and use of Internet services and online information.

Principles for managing online video games in Vietnam from December 25, 2024

The management of online video games from December 25, 2024, must adhere to the principles stipulated in Article 37 of Decree 147/2024/ND-CP. Specifically:

- Online video games are classified as follows:

+ Video games that involve interaction between multiple players simultaneously through the enterprise's game server system (abbreviated as G1 games);

+ Video games with interaction solely between the player and the enterprise's game server system (abbreviated as G2 games);

+ Video games where interaction occurs between multiple players but not between players and the enterprise's game server system (abbreviated as G3 games);

+ Video games downloaded via the network, without interaction either between players or with the enterprise's game server system (abbreviated as G4 games);

+ For new types of online video games not categorized above, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall propose management measures to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision.

- Enterprises can distribute G1 online video games upon obtaining a License for Provision of G1 Online video games and a Decision to Release G1 Online video games.

- Enterprises can distribute G2, G3, G4 online video games upon obtaining a Certificate for Provision of G2, G3, G4 Online video games and a Notification Confirmation for the Release of G2, G3, G4 Online video games.

- Foreign organizations and individuals providing online video game services to users in Vietnam, including cross-border services, must establish an enterprise according to the laws of Vietnam to carry out online video game services provision as per the stipulations in Decree 147/2024/ND-CP and regulations on foreign investment.

Measures to mitigate negative impacts of games provided by enterprises in Vietnam

Measures to mitigate negative impacts of games provided by enterprises include:

- Advertising content and game promotions (on advertising programs, on business websites or applications) must match the licensed content, scenario, sound, and images in the game, comply with advertising regulations, and include the following information: Game name; age classification; advisories on potential physical and mental impacts on players;

- Implement registration, storage, verification, and management of player content and information as per legal regulations, ensuring only players who have provided complete and accurate information, as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 56 of Decree 147/2024/ND-CP, are allowed to participate in games;

- Provide games with content suitable for age groups; issue warnings about the effects of excessive gameplay time per day, and apply gameplay time restrictions for children and individuals under 18 as per child protection laws;

- Ensure that service users have the right to decide whether to allow the enterprise to use their information for promotional, communication purposes or to provide it to other organizations, individuals.

More details can be found in Decree 147/2024/ND-CP effective from December 25, 2024.

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