The Press and Publication Administration of China (PPAC) said yesterday that a series of online games featuring 100 national heroes being developed to promote patriotism will include Lei Feng, a former People's Liberation Army soldier and iconic symbol of altruism.

Shi Feng, PPAC vice director, said the act aims to promote "healthy" games and create a "green" cyberspace unpolluted by violence.

A Shanghai-based web company is developing the series, called "Heroes of China," with the support of the PPAC, as first announced earlier this year to redress a market dominated by violent games.

Lei Feng became a household name in China in 1963, when the late Chairman Mao Zedong urged the whole nation to learn from his behavior.

Zheng Chenggong, who took back Taiwan province from Dutch invaders more than 340 years ago, Bao Zheng, famed as an honest and upright official, and Yue Fei, known for his patriotic spirit and integrity, have also been included in the games.

Tang Jun, president of the web company, said young people may learn the stories of the heroes through playing the games and be influenced by their characters.

The games are expected to take as long as ten years to develop.

(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2005)