What are the Chinese gamers' opinions about false advertising in mobile games?

Growing Concerns About False Advertising

• Prevalence of Deceptive Ads: The rise of mobile gaming has been accompanied by an increase in misleading advertisements that often depict gameplay that does not reflect the actual game. This has led to a sense of frustration among players who feel deceived when the game they download is vastly different from what was advertised
• Consumer Protection Initiatives: In response to these concerns, the China Consumers Association has mandated that online game operators maintain honesty in their advertising practices. This initiative aims to ensure that gaming products meet the expectations set by their advertisements, reflecting a growing recognition of the issue
• Legal Challenges: Although false advertising is technically illegal, enforcement is complicated by the nature of mobile games being free-to-play. This makes it difficult for consumers to quantify damages, thus complicating legal actions against companies engaging in misleading practices

Player Reactions

• Disillusionment with Marketing Tactics: Many gamers feel that the marketing strategies employed by mobile game developers are manipulative and undermine trust. Players have noted that while they may initially download a game based on an appealing advertisement, they often uninstall it shortly after realizing the discrepancy between the ad and the actual gameplay
• Impact on Reputation: The use of fake ads not only frustrates players but also damages the reputation of game developers. Gamers who feel cheated are likely to avoid future titles from these companies, which can have long-term repercussions for their market presence
• Desire for Transparency: There is a call among gamers for more transparent advertising practices. They advocate for ads that accurately represent gameplay, arguing that this would foster a healthier gaming environment and build trust between developers and players