Online Gaming: A changing scenario on the cards

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Context: Tamil Nadu Assembly re-adopts Bill against online gambling

What is Online gaming?

It refers to video games/mobile games that are played over the internet through various devices. E.g., multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, first-person shooter (FPS) games, massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), and many others.

1. e-sports (well-organized electronic sports which include professional players),
2. Fantasy sports
3. Casual games: these can be either skill-based (mental skill) or chance based (based on a random activity like a roll of a dice) online games.

Differences between ‘games of skill’ and ‘games of chance’:

Issues with online gaming

Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has released the Draft Rules for Online Gaming (as an amendment to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021)

Other regulations:

• State subject: Online gaming so far has been a state subject, but state governments are finding it extremely difficult to enforce certain rules like geo-blocking certain apps or websites within the territory of their state.
• Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Bill, 2022 prohibits all forms of online gambling and allows for the regulation of online games that are not considered gambling.
  • The bill prohibits minors from participating in online games and prohibits the promotion of online gambling and gaming through advertising or other means.
• Karnataka government had previously banned all forms of online gaming where the transfer of money is involved
• GST: A proposed 28% Goods and Services Tax that may soon be imposed on deposits
• The Puducherry government will ban online gaming soon

Way forward:

Clear and consistent regulations, responsible gaming measures, industry self-regulation, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration between industry and government can all help to create a sustainable and responsible online gaming industry in India.

Conclusion:

The online gaming industry in India can continue to grow and provide entertainment and employment opportunities while also protecting players and promoting responsible gaming practices

Insta Links

Mains Links:

“Internet gaming has turned worse than drugs”. Do you agree? Critically examine the statement in light of the announcement made by the World Health Organization (WHO) to include “gaming disorder” as a mental health condition. (250 words)

How does gaming addiction, impact children? Do you think China’s recent imposition of a three-hour limit on gaming, is a good way to tackle it? (150 words)