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The Vietnamese government has issued Decree 147/2024 which introduces tighter regulations on online games while imposing stricter controls on unlicensed titles and gambling apps distributed via Google Play and the App Store.
As reported by Niko Partners, Decree 147/2024/NĐ-CP was introduced on November 9th, 2024 and is effective from December 25th.
It mandates that foreign app store providers must remove applications violating Vietnamese laws upon request by authorised agencies. It establishes strict licensing requirements for games, with G1 titles needing a Decision to Publish and G2, G3, and G4 games requiring a Notice of Publishing Confirmation.
The decree categorises games as G1, multiplayer games with a centralised server; G2, server-based games without player interaction; G3, games with player interaction but no server; and G4, offline or non-interactive games.
App store providers and games companies must ensure the accuracy of game license information. Non-compliance will result in administrative penalties and technical measures to block content, which will remain in place until violations are resolved.
Strict control on virtual currencies
The Decree also introduces strict rules on real-money and virtual items. Virtual items, units, and reward points can only be used within the online game for their reported purposes.
They cannot be exchanged for cash, cards, vouchers or tangible items of value outside the game. Also, trading virtual items, units or reward points between players is prohibited.
Games rated 12+ must avoid sexually suggestive content, revealing characters, or adult-oriented dialogue. Combat is limited to animated, non-human or unrealistic human portrayals, with non-realistic weapons, minimal close-up effects, and restrained sounds.
