BEIJING - The Ministry of Culture on Monday told 26 online game operators to rectify violations ranging from running banned games to failure to use real-name registrations.

Among them, 16 groups provide online games that involve pornography, gambling and content "against social ethics." Other violations include failing to informing the public ahead of suspending a game or taking measures to prevent minors becoming addicted to their games. Online game operators must prevent minors from playing too long, by measures such as reducing or even invalidating their in-game gains after a certain number of hours.

"Businesses must learn their lessons, fulfill their responsibilities, improve their own self-censorship and operate their businesses in line with the law," the ministry said in a statement.