China ends the ban on the video game consoles manufacturing and sales across the country, paving the way for foreign companies such as Microsoft and Sony to develop games in one of the largest video game markets in the world.

When did China ban the video game consoles manufacturing and sales?

Back in the year 2000, China restricted the manufacturing and sale of gaming consoles. It was not a surprising move by the Chinese government because it heavily and routinely censors media, foreign news outlets, films and websites. Google, Twitter and Facebook are also blocked in China.

According to a statement from the China’s Ministry of Culture, China ends the ban on the video game consoles and new rules will be applicable to foreign and domestic console manufacturers, which will allow them to manufacture and sell all over the country.

Earlier, regulators limited foreign console manufacturers such as Nintendo and Sony to work only in the Free Trade Zone of Shanghai, which has stifled sales and potential growth.

China ends the ban on the video game consoles and this move will open the door to valuable market players turned to the computer and mobile video games because of limited access to consoles like the Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo Wii.

Gaming companies have long had their eyes on the Chinese market, but have faced restrictions since 2000 when Chinese regulators have enacted a ban on selling console to avoid what they described as the potential negative effects Youth of China. Regulators have eased restrictions in a pilot test last year, the Ministry of Culture, described as a success, according to his statement.

According to the research firm game Newzoo BV, China gaming market includes the sales of mobile video games and consoles which is estimated to be around $ 22.2 billion this year. The world’s biggest video game makers will be keen to return to such a huge market after China ends the ban on the video game consoles manufacturing and sales.