Tencent Plans to Unmask Minors in Honour of Kings
What’s the Big Idea?
Tencent is rolling out a real‑name registration system for its flagship mobile game Honour of Kings around September 15. The move ties the players’ IDs to China’s public security database—a first‑of‑its‑kind in the gaming scene.
Why the 411?
- It’ll spot under‑age gamers with laser‑sharp accuracy.
- Play‑time caps will be automatically enforced.
- Tencent hopes to steer youngsters toward healthier gaming habits.
Beyond the First Game
Honour of Kings tops the mobile‑game coffers in China. The company plans to roll out the system to its other titles in stages, keeping a close eye on the next wave of pixel‑powered billions.
Market Response
Shares dipped more than 3% in after‑hours trade—its lowest level in over a year. The Hang Seng Index dropped 1% in sync, reflecting the industry’s jitters.
China’s Growing Concern
- Recent crackdowns on online gaming cite rising myopia rates.
- Regulators warn of heightened risks for the world’s biggest gaming market.
- People’s Daily fired a warning, calling Honour of Kings “poison” and demanding stricter controls.
- President Xi Jinping pushed for comprehensive strategies to curb eye‑strain among youth.
Bottom Line
With this new system, Tencent is stepping up its role as an industry guardian—making gameplay safer, smarter, and, hopefully, a little less addictive.
