One of the noteworthy regulations on online game management is Clause b, Article 43 on issuing decisions to distribute G1 electronic games, which stipulates that licenses will be granted to games with script content that do not violate the provisions of Article 8 of the Law on Cyber Security and regulations on intellectual property; do not simulate prize-winning games at casino business establishments, and games using images of playing cards; do not contain images, sounds and languages that specifically describe the following actions: terrorism, murder, torture, abuse, assault, women and children trafficking; incitement to commit suicide and use violence; pornography, vulgarity, behaviors that come contrary to the traditional ethics, culture, and customs of the nation; distorting and destroying historical traditions; violating sovereignty and territorial integrity; using drugs, drinking alcohol, smoking; and gambling, and other illegal acts.
Since 2009, there have been only two firms with licenses to distribute card games, namely VNG with ZingPlay game portal, and VDC-Net2E with Ongame. However, Ongame later stopped operation and VNG’s Zingplay remains the only game that is licensed to provide card-based games. The games include Tu Lo Kho, PokerVN, Crazy Tien Len and Tien Len Mien Nam.
Recently, after many individuals and institutions were found exploiting card games to organize gambling, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) stopped granting licenses to card games in 2010.
That was one of the reasons many game firms complained that it was unfair in licensing games. The question was why VNG for a long time remained the only game firm allowed to distribute card games in Vietnam. They stressed that the privilege given to one firm distorted the online game market.
Therefore, the Ministry of Information and Communications submitted a statement to the government proposing that the government add restrictions in licensing games to new decrees. The electronic games with content and scripts simulating prize-winning games at casinos and the games using images of playing cards will not be licensed.
Regarding regulations on game card issuance, Article 58 stipulates that businesses providing electronic games online are allowed to distribute and take responsibility for game card management.
Game firms can only use the game cards to allow players to deposit money in legal electronic games developed by the firms themselves, or other firms of the same economic groups, group of companies, holding companies and subsidiaries; and cannot use game cards to deposit money in unlicensed games or use for other purposes.
Le My