GAPP blocks NetEase's WOW application

The General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) has suspended online game operator NetEase's application to operate the latest version of World of Warcraft (WOW), "Burning Crusades," claiming the game lacks government approvals Reuters reported. GAPP halted and returned NetEase's application. It has also ordered NetEase to stop charging users to play the game and to suspend new account registrations. Analysts say the suspension is a turf war between GAPP and the Ministry of Culture, which had already provided approved NetEase's application, over who has the right to regulate video games. Beijing has been trying to tighten its control over online gaming, worried about undesirable content. In October, the regulator banned many forms of foreign investment into the country's online games industry, which is expected to grow 30-50% this year to up to US$4 billion.