Goodbye BBFC: PEGI is now the UK standard for game ratings |
The UK government has announced that it will be going with the PEGI ratings system as the standard form of videogame classification in the region.
The PEGI system will be implemented for every game released in the UK. The BBFC, which used to handle games classification, will stick to classifying and rating films and DVDs.
Mike Rawlinson, Director General of the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association, which has been a rather vocal critic of the BBFC' s game rating system, had this to say:
The Government has made absolutely the right decision for child safety. By choosing PEGI as the single classification system in the UK, British children will now get the best possible protection when playing videogames either on a console or on the internet. Parents can be assured that they will have access to clear, uniform ratings on games and an accurate understanding of game content.
TodayÂ’s decision will ensure that games ratings stay relevant and adapt to the changing nature of videogames for many years to come. Retailers will now have clear, legal backing to help them prevent access to unsuitable content by children.
We will work closely with the Government, the Video Standards Council and the BBFC to ensure a smooth and rapid transition to this new ratings system.
Related articles:
- European parliament gives PEGI system glowing recommendation
- ELSPA to BBFC: get a hint, stick to movies; leave games to PEGI
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Comments [refresh]
If most parents are too ignorant to notice a big red 18 symbol on a game's case before they buy then the monotone PEGI classifications aren't going to do any better.
I've seen kids get away with buying 18+ games rated by PEGI because even the clerks don't pay attention.
But when there's a red BBFC 18 symbol on the front, they refuse to sell without ID because it's "store policy".
Why do they want two standards? Here in australia we have 2 and it sucks. No R rating for games.
I'm with Spenny on this, how is the monotone PEGI label a better ward than the bright BBFC labels.
Nab the content descriptions from PEGI, and give it back to the BBFC.
The BBFC do legal ratings though so you can get a fine or prison sentence for selling a 18+ to anyone younger.
From my understanding, up until now PEGI has just been a guideline, so that's usually the rating that is "store policy". At least it was when I worked in retail because they didn't want to deal with angry parents, but I paid little attention to it because I was told it wasn't actually legally enforceable.
As well as the existing pegi;
this has violence
this has sex
type logos, there are age related logos that look just like those from the bbfc. So it doesn't really make any odds.
all the govenment needs to do now is ensure shops can get prosecuted for selling to underaged children. Also they should run a publicty run, e.g. shops with games forced to carry pegi posters, tv ads, radio ads. though not until its been rolled out.
are they going to put pegi stickers or produce new labels for existing packaging that is on shop shelves?