China Removes Videogame Official After Planned Curbs Triggered Market Rout

SINGAPORE—Beijing removed a key official overseeing China’s videogame industry, days after authorities proposed curbs that wiped tens of billions of dollars off the market value of Chinese game companies.

Feng Shixin, the head of the publication bureau of the Communist Party’s Propaganda Department, was told to step down last week, people familiar with the matter said. He was dismissed over the department’s handling of the release of the draft rules at a time of weak market sentiment, including inadequate communication and explanation of the policy, according to the people.