Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China Named Overseer of Animation and Online Games Industry in China

SAN FRANCISCO -

- 2009 Game Developers Conference(R) China Government Supporter Gains Traction

China’s State Commission Office for Public Sector Reform (SCOPSR) has issued a notice clarifying the responsibilities of various state organizations in the regulation processes concerning animation, online gaming, and the cultural market in China. According to this notice, the Ministry of Culture (MOC) is now responsible for the management of industry bases, project development, conferences and trade fairs, and market oversight for the animation and online gaming industries. The MOC is the official government supporter of GDC China presented by Think Services, a division of United Business Media, taking place at the Shanghai International Convention Center, October 11-13 of this year.

The notice also clarifies that, under the unified oversight of the MOC, the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) is responsible for pre-approval of online game publication, but once a game is released online, it enters the full jurisdiction of the MOC. GAPP’s department of technology and digital publishing is responsible for approving publication of licensed online games from overseas rights holders, while the MOC is responsible for approval of all other imported online games.

“The announcement of this new reform is a major stride for the Ministry of Culture and China,” said Meggan Scavio, GDC China event director. “The GDC is proud to be the officially endorsed professional game event by the MOC in China 2009. We fully support the MOC and know that under their direction, China will see a more rapid growth in the adoption of international games which ultimately leads to more opportunities, exchange of technologies, and overall growth for the Chinese game industry.”

For more information on the 2009 Game Developers Conference(R) China, please visit www.gdcchina.com.

About the Think Services Game Group

A core provider of essential information to the professional game industry, the Think Services Game Group offers market-defining content, and drives community through its award winning lineup of print, online, event and research products and services. These include Game Developer Magazine, Game Developer Research, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, GameCareerGuide.com, WorldsInMotion.biz and other Gamasutra Network websites, the Game Developers Conference(R), the Game Developers Conference(R) Austin, the Game Developers Conference(R) Europe, the Game Developers Conference(R) China, the Game Developers Conference(R) Canada, GDC Mobile, the Game Career Seminars, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards. To learn more, visit www.tsgamegroup.com

About Think Services, a division of United Business Media

Think Services connects specialized communities worldwide using educational events, consulting, training, certification, membership, and innovative media. Providing comprehensive opportunities for people to learn from, network with, and inspire each other, Think Services builds strong brands and works within communities to foster a unique affinity with its products and services. The division’s flagship products include the Game Developers Conference, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, Game Developer magazine, the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI), and HDI. Think Services is a subsidiary of United Business Media, a global media and marketing services company with a market capitalization of more than US$1.6 billion. To learn more, visit www.think-services.com.

Contact: Audrey Shen Think Services, a division of United Business Media ashen@ubmtechnology.com.cn +86-21-62787488-8701 Ben Veechai, North America +1-415-947-6280 bveechai@think-services.com

Source: Think Services Game Group

Audrey Shen of Think Services, a division of United Business Media, +86-21-62787488-8701, ashen at ubmtechnology.com.cn; or Ben Veechai, North America, of Think Services Game Group, +1-415-947-6280, bveechai at think-services.com