Mafia-themed online games banned

Chinese authorities have banned "gangster" themed online games, saying they distort society's efforts to build a lawful, nonviolent environment.

The Ministry of Culture has prohibited websites in the country from running, publicizing or offering links to online games featuring mafia-like gangs, and threatened "severe punishment" for violators, according to a statement posted on its website Monday.

The decision to ban such games was made because they promote bloodshed and violence by offering players platforms to experience anti-social gangster behavior, such as beating, killing, looting and raping. These experiences are a bad influence on youngsters, the statement said.