HONG KONG, Jan 23 Reuters China39;s gaming regulator has removed from its website rules it proposed last month aimed at curbing spending and rewards that encourage playing video games, checks by Reuters on Tuesday showed, in a move that boosted gaming company shares.

The link to the draft rules on the National Press and Publication Administration39;s NPPA website was inaccessible as of Tuesday morning, after having worked on Monday.

The consultation period on the rules, which sparked market turmoil when they were first announced, expired on Monday.

The removal was described by analysts as unusual, with some saying a revision could be in store. The NPPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reason for the removal.

Xiaoyue Hu, an analyst at Haitong Securities, said in a note to clients reviewed by Reuters that the removal of the announcement could signal there might be further changes in the new measures.

Hu said previous regulatory measures seeking opinions had a track record of staying on the government39;s websites even after the consultation period ended.

Shares in Tencent Holdings, the world39;s biggest gaming company, and its closest rival, NetEase, rose as much as 6 and 7 in morning trading respectively. The two companies39; shares were still up more than 4 at noon against a 2.4 increase in Hong Kong39;s Hang Seng Index.

The draft rules, which proposed setting spending limits for online games, had sparked panic among investors, wiping off…