(Yicai Global) March 11 -- Chinese media watchdog is rumored to restart issuing game permits next month after an eight-month suspension while the scope of supervision is expected to be expanded to reach adults.

The National Press and Publication Administration will issue around 30 game licenses in April, a user of investor platform Xueqiu said yesterday. The user said they had learned the information during the NPPA's visit to a large firm.

Since July, no new game permits have been issued. Before that, the country suspended fresh issuances for nine months in 2018.

The user predicted another change. The administration will adopt anti-addiction measures for adults, including forcing each gamer to take 30-minute breaks after two hours of continuous play, the Xueqiu user added.

Last August, regulators revealed strict measures to limit minors' gaming. Those aged under 18 are allowed to play for a maximum of three hours per week between Friday and Sunday, as well during public holidays.

Game companies, including Tencent Holdings, said to Yicai Global they had not received a notice about the anticipated policy shifts.

The post on Xueqiu is not credible, said an employee at a game firm. However, the company is mentally prepared for an anti-addiction system targeting adults, the person added.

The expanding scrutiny over adults' play is expected. "Competent authorities have solicited opinions from many companies on adult anti-addiction and in-game consumption,” said the above-mentioned worker. "We think game license issuance is likely to be resumed only after related measures are formulated."

As domestic permits are becoming scarce, Chinese game developers have shifted their focus abroad. NetEase will speed up exploring overseas markets and attract global top game producers to join the firm by investing in studios and building new ones abroad, Chairman Ding Lei said in a meeting last month.

Editors: Dou Shicong, Emmi Laine, Xiao Yi