Xinhua, the official Chinese news agency is reporting that the government had announced new bans on certain video games. In total, 50 popular titles will be banned from sale and use in China. Xinhua further noted that the move was part of an effort in 2005 to combat "illegal publications". Also affected are "pirated textbooks, electronic publications and illegal journals that will have negative influence on the youth".
Of the 50 games banned, notable titles included Age of Mythology: the Titans, The Sims 2, Manhunt, FIFA 2005, Battlefield Vietnam and Painkiller: Battle out of Hell as well as Conflict Vietnam, Vietcong: Fist Alpha and Devastation.
The Chinese government has called on local departments to confiscate copies currently available, and stop further distribution. Since last year, Game producers have been forced to submit their games to examination before sale in the country to check that they don"t contain un-acceptable content.