Applying for an ISBN 版号 for the Chinese Gaming Market

Applying for the ISBN so your game can be legally published in China is a daunting task. In this post, we’ll cover the basics so you come away knowing what the process involves and how much time you’ll spend to get your video game a legal license to be published inside of China.

ISBN Application Timeframe

This is often a major point of confusion for foreign game developers. The application timeframe can vary widely depending on current government policies and priorities. For example, in years past, the application process could take years to complete. During some periods, new ISBN applications for video games were completely frozen, leaving even domestic game developers guessing as to when restrictions would ease.

As of March 2026, the process has sped up considerably compared with the on again, off again pattern that characterized the years between 2019 to 2024. The application process depends greatly on how “big” or complex your game is.

Domestic vs. Foreign Licenses

There’s a crucial difference between games developed by Chinese entities and games developed by foreign companies or domestic companies utilizing foreign intellectual property.

Domestic ISBNs = 国产版号

Import ISBNs = 进口版号

Timelines for Best Case Scenarios

1. Small Casual Games + Mini Games Inside Wechat/TikTok: 3 to 5 months
2. Medium Complexity Mobile, Computer, and Console Titles: 4 to 6 months
3. AAA Level Console & Computer Games: 6 to 10 months

If the NPPA flags compliance issues during the review, expect an extra 1 to 3 months per revision cycle to modify game assets, update code, and resubmit.

Crucial Note for Foreign Developers

For international developers, these timelines generally run on the longer side. China’s gaming market is also quite protectionist, with about 10% of licenses granted annually granted to foreign made games.

Elements That Result in Rejection or Delay

1. Violent visuals like blood and gore. In the past, developers could get away with changing the color of the blood, but it’s now recommended to completely remove any signs of blood.
2. Evidence of death, such as skeletons, corpses, etc.
3. Any sensitive political or historical content that relates to China.
4. Strong religious elements or themes
5. Characters with facial scarring, tattoos, or red eyes are also flagged.

Gacha or Card Gameplay: This isn’t a disqualifier in itself, but games that involve potential gambling mechanics take longer to evaluate.

Social Elements: Features that allow gamers to communicate in game will take longer to evaluate. Chat features require real-time keyword filtering.

Real Name Registration & Anti-addiction Integrations

These two integrations are required for any game published in China. Real name registration is required to determine the player’s age, as well as ensure accountibility in the social interaction aspect that video games often offer.

Anti-addiction integrations will cut younger users off when they meet their daily gameplay limits. For adult users, usually these measures simply remind them to take a break. Some games will go so far as to limit EXP gained, or limit some other core feature of the gameplay loop that will result in the player feeling like they’re wasting their time if they continue to play.

Making the Approval Process Quicker & Easier

Overall, games that are less complex, involve less social interaction, and aren’t based on mature themes will enjoy a quicker and easier ISBN application process in China. As a general rule of thumb, the more complex the game and the “heavier” the content is, the longer it will take to gain regulatory approval.

The ISBN Application Process

1. Compile all game materials and ensure their accuracy.
2. Register the software copyright. This must be done via a Chinese entity and that Chinese name much match the final submission exactly.
3. Confirm the publisher and complete an internal review. For IAP, the publisher must hold a B25 Commercial IAP license.
4. Publisher issues its game review and submits it to the local publishing bureau.The publisher must be Chinese. Wholly foreign owned enterprises or joint ventures typically cannot publish games. The publisher must hold a “Web Publishing Service License” (网络出版服务许可证).
5. Local bureau completes the review and submits it to the NPPA.
6. The National Press & Publication Administration (NPPA) reviews the submission.
7. The NPPA issues the ISBN.
8. The publisher can now publish the game.
9. For any game updates, the publisher ensures ongoing compliance.

As you can see, there are a ton of details and factors to consider when it comes to publishing a game in China. Navigating China’s bureaucratic regulatory environment is a daunting task—even for the largest, well-resourced foreign game developers.

If this all sounds too overwhelming, despair not! Chinese gamers are savvy and enthusiastic, and if there’s a way to access your game, they will certainly find it! In future posts, we’ll talk about alternative methods you can utilize to get your game in the hands of Chinese players.