Chinese regulators have ordered internet giant Tencent to halt sales of a newly released video game that has drawn more than 1m pre-orders, dealing a blow to the company’s core gaming business.
Tencent removed Monster Hunter: World from its PC-gaming platform WeGame on Monday after regulators cancelled its operating licence following a “large number of complaints” the company said, without giving details.
This is not the first time Tencent has clashed with authorities over its games. Its market capitalisation fell by $15bn in a single day last year after the company said it would limit the time children spent on its top-earning Honour of Kings title, following criticism in state media.