GUANGZHOU -- Electronic games that aim to serve the public interest are increasing in China against a backdrop of strains between developers and the government over gaming addiction among young people.
One is a free smartphone game released in November by internet giant Tencent Holdings to improve the player's ability to speak standard Chinese. The player starts by saying: "Hello. How are you?" into the microphone and receives a score based on how well he or she matches the tones and pronunciation of standard Chinese. The player then develops a town while answering questions that develop pronunciation and listening skills.
