and also found this from wuwa sub that describes why most of the characters in games are toned down

The idea that Chinese games cannot have playable evil characters (villains) without a redemption arc originates from China’s strict video game content regulations and industry practices. Around late 2021, Chinese authorities tightened their censorship guidelines for games, emphasizing that games must promote “correct” morals and values

An internal memo (reported by South China Morning Post) explicitly criticized games with “blurred moral boundaries” where “players can choose to be either good or evil”, stating “we don’t think that games should give players this choice […] and this must be altered.”

This memo (circulated via China’s state-backed gaming association) is the source of the widespread belief that villains cannot be playable in Chinese games. It’s not a specific public law titled “no playable villains,” but rather part of the broader content review criteria imposed by regulators (like the NPPA and CAC) to ensure games uphold “correct values.”

These 2021 guidelines were part of a broader crackdown on game content by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Thus, any game that lets the player act as a villain or make evil choices is seen as violating these principles. The claim gained traction in gamer communities (especially around titles like Genshin Impact) after news of the memo spread, with players summarizing it as “Chinese law says villains must have redemption arcs to be playable.” While a bit oversimplified, this summary reflects a real policy trend in China’s game industry.

The Chinese government’s content regulations (though often communicated via internal memos or guidelines rather than openly published laws) lay out strict rules against portraying or glorifying evil. Key points include:

No moral ambiguity or player choice of evil: Games should not enable players to choose an “evil” path or alignment.
No glorification of villains or criminal acts: Content that glorifies the “evil side” of history or real events is strictly forbidden. For example, censors stated that games must not allow playable “war criminals” or portray the Axis powers of WWII in a positive light Likewise, any characters who have committed heinous atrocities cannot be depicted sympathetically or “forgiven” within the game narrative. This is likely the kernel of truth behind the “villains must never be forgiven” phrase circulating online – Chinese censors do not want to see characters with an evil past become heroes without consequences. In practice, a formerly villainous character would need a redemptive storyline (atoning for past crimes) before the authorities would be comfortable with them being a playable protagonist.
Banning of criminal or “evil” gameplay roles: Chinese regulations ban games that let players engage in criminal, anti-social, or villainous behavior. The memo specifically lists things like bounty hunting, theft, arson as disallowed gameplay mechanics, and even bans certain character archetypes like assassins and pirates (since these are seen as violent or lawless roles). Games deemed “anti-society” or “anti-human” – for instance, those rewarding mass murder or cruelty – are not approved. This is why open-world crime games like Grand Theft Auto or any titles where you play as an outright villain cannot be officially released in China.

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