Norms fine, but regulator for online & video games won’t click in Hyderabad: Industry

HYDERABAD: Online and video game companies in Hyderabad want the Centre to develop a more nuanced approach to regulating the gaming industry. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work, they say while responding to draft notification for IT Rules 2021 that has been circulated by the Ministry of Electronics, Information, and Technology (MeITY) to get feedback.
MeITY’s proposals include bringing a self-regulatory body that will certify online games in India. The ministry has been taking feedback from stakeholders including parents for past few days on the draft notification.
Many entrepreneurs have suggested that video games be regulated through a content rating mechanism. Also, the entire industry should not be treated as one set.
A national consortium of gaming companies has already submitted a letter to the ministry with recommendations. Harish Ch of Outlier Games, says, “It is critical to have regulatory distinction between video games and online games that are played for stakes in accordance with global best practices. Including both in the broad category of ‘online gaming’ will not benefit the industry.”
Industry players have also proposed a robust system to deal with children who play video games. Deepak Gurajala of Street Lamp Games says, “They are exposed to in-game purchases, inappropriate content, and online harm. For this, we need a framework for regulating the video games industry in accordance with global standards.”
Global standards are pertaining to age regulation in different countries. For example Children's Online Privacy Protection (COPPA) in the US and General Data Protection Rules (GDPR) pertaining to children using mobile games in Europe. Using Poland as an example of how to treat mobile game industry, a city-based entrepreneur says, “They treat mobile games as cultural exports to the world and as art with proper protocols in place; there are about 52 universities there offering mobile game-related courses. We have a long way to go, but the government should think along these lines.”
A self-regulatory organisation (SRO) acting as bridge between government and online gaming portals, is not a great idea, many feel. As SROs will be supported and funded by online gaming platforms, there will be a conflict of interest. The independence, reliability, autonomy of SROs is likely to be questioned.