Part 7/11:
The Chinese government’s crackdown is portrayed by outlets like the Washington Post as a form of social control, not just a public health measure. The article argues that this effort is part of a larger pattern of exerting influence over pop culture, akin to how other regimes have historically demonized certain art forms—be it rock and roll, comic books, or heavy metal music.
This raises concerns about the potential for similar policies to be adopted globally. The U.S., for example, already exhibits some regulatory tendencies—such as bans on explicit content and debates over violent games—that could escalate under societal pressures or political shifts. The possibility of government intervention in gamers’ lives, through licensing, monitoring, or outright bans, remains a contentious issue.