Chinese authorities, online game developers jointly battling drug abuse

New Delhi, June 2 (ANI): Chinese drug authorities have tied-up with online game developers to jointly battle drug-consumption amongst Chinese youngsters by designing anti-drug advertisements.

Online gaming enjoys widespread popularity in China and could be an effective vehicle for conveying anti-drug use messages.

"Online gamers and drug users have similar demographic characteristics in most of the cases," the China Daily quoted an official, as saying.

As of last month, more than 50 online game operators, including industry leaders such as Shanda Entertainment and Giant Online, have promised to take part in a competition launched by the anti-drug commission of Shanghai to make anti-drug public service advertisements at their own expense, the China Daily reports.

As of last month, over 50 online game operators, including industry leaders such as Shanda Entertainment and Giant Online, have promised to take part in a competition launched by the anti-drug commission of Shanghai to make anti-drug public service advertisements at their own expense, the report said.

The winners will be commemorated by the showcasing of their work across media platforms including the city's mobile TV network and the screens of hundreds of Internet cafes, where most of the players play their online games. (ANI)