Full-Service Licensing for G2, G3, G4 Games in Vietnam

Nowadays, the release and business of online electronic games is a conditional business line according to the regulations of Vietnamese law. Performing administrative procedures for those who are not experts or have little experience will be relatively difficult. The time to apply for a license can last from 3-4 months, affecting the business plan. In the following article, Viet An Law will advise customers on information related to the full-service licensing for G2, G3, G4 games in Vietnam of Viet An Law.

What are G2, G3, G4 games?

According to Point a, Clause 1, Article 31, Decree No. 72/2013/ND-CP on the management, provision, and use of internet services and online information (amended and supplemented by Decree No. 27/2018/ND-CP, Decree No. 150/2018/ND-CP):

“1. Online games are classified as follows:

…a) Classification by method of service provision and use:

– Video games that have interaction among multiple players via the game server (hereinafter referred to as G1 games);

– Video games that only have interaction between the players and the game server (hereinafter referred to as G2 games);

– Video games that have interaction among multiple players without interaction between players and the game server (hereinafter referred to as G3 games);

– Video games that are downloaded from the Internet without the interaction among players and between players and the game server (hereinafter called G4 games).”

Accordingly, G2, G3, G4 games are understood as follows:

• G2 Game: Games with only interaction between players and the game server system of the game service company;
• G3 Game: Electronic games with interaction between people but no interaction between players and the game server system of the game service company;
• G4 Game: Games downloaded over the network, no interaction among players and among players and the game server system of the game service company.

Why is it necessary to apply for G2, G3, and G4 game licenses?

According to Clause 7, Article 103, Decree 15/2020/NĐ-CP on penalties for administrative violations against regulations on postal services, telecommunications, radio frequencies, information technology and electronic transactions, a fine ranging from 150,000,000 VND to 170,000,000 VND shall be imposed for providing G2, G3, G4 gaming services without a valid license to provide online games, additional penalties such as the exhibits and instrumentalities shall be confiscated and application of remedial measures:

• Enforced transfer of benefits illegally;
• Enforced revocation of domain names.

Conditions for registering video games G2, G3, G4

According to Clause 29, Article 1, Decree No. 27/2018/ND-CP on amendments to government’s Decree No. 72/2013/ND-CP on management, provision and use of internet services and online information, to do business in G2, G3, G4 game services, businesses need to ensure:

• The enterprise is established in accordance with Vietnam’s law and its business line associated with online gaming services has been posted in the national business registration portal;
• Domain names are registered to provide services if game services are provided on the Internet;
• Conditions on employees providing online game services:
  • It has a headquarters with clear address and telephone number;
  • Have at least 01 electronic game administrator.
• The financial and technical capacity, organizational structure, and personnel are suitable for provision of game services;
• Conditions for technical aspects related to video games G2, G3, G4:
• The payment system for those video games (if any) must be located in Vietnam and connected with the enterprises supporting payments in Vietnam, ensuring accurate and sufficient update and storage, and enabling players to search details of their payment accounts;
• Plans are in place to assure service quality and players’ interests;
• Measures are taken for ensuring information safety and information security.

Application for G2, G3, G4 game license

According to Clause 33, Article 1, Decree No. 27/2018/ND-CP, the documents required to apply for a G2, G3, G4 game license include:

• An application form for certificate of eligibility to provide video games;
• Certified copy of business registration certificate, investment certificate including the business line of providing electronic game services;
• CV of personnel responsible for managing electronic game service provision activities certified by competent authority;
• Certification of using legal domain names (for games provided on the Internet);
• A scheme for providing video games;
• The power of attorney to submit documents to Viet An Law.

Procedures for applying for G2, G3, G4 game licenses

• The enterprise submits 01 original set of documents requesting a G2, G3, G4 game license to the Department of Radio, Television and Electronic Information;
• Within 30 working days from the date of receiving valid documents, the Department of Radio, Television and Electronic Information will review and grant licenses for G2, G3, and G4 games;
• In case of refusal to grant a certificate, the Department of Radio, Television and Electronic Information shall issue a written reply stating the reasons for refusal.

Note: 10 working days before the enterprise officially starts providing the game to the public, the enterprise must send a specific notice of the official time of service provision to the Department of Radio, Television and Electronic Information, the Department of Information and Communications in the locality where the enterprise registers its headquarters, the enterprise providing server rental services, server location rental services, telecommunications enterprises, internet service providers, and enterprises providing payment support services in electronic games. When receiving the notice, the receiving authority is responsible for sending a receipt to the enterprise within 7 working days from the date of receipt of the notice.

How long is the G2, G3, G4 game license valid?

G2, G3, G4 game licenses are valid for a period of time as requested by the enterprise, but not more than 10 years. G2, G3, G4 game licenses are no longer valid when the enterprise is dissolved, bankrupt, or after 06 (six) months from the effective date of the license, the enterprise does not actually implement the provision of services.

Full-service licensing for G2, G3, G4 games in Vietnam of Viet An Law

• Consulting and guidance on fully preparing conditions before applying for a game license;
• Consulting on fixing errors that may result in license denial for each type of game;
• Prepare complete documents as required to apply for a license;
• Representative to perform procedures at State authorities;
• Receiving the license, hand over and accompany the enterprise throughout the operation process.

Customers and businesses in need of consultation on full-service licensing for G2, G3, G4 games in Vietnam, please contact Viet An Law for the best support.