Computer game ratings – what do they mean?
The Pan European Games Information (PEGI) system provides parents with a single age classification system for all games in most European states.
PEGI ratings are made up of two separate parts that can be seen on the packaging of all newly released software. The first is an age rating in one of five bands (3+, 7+, 12+ and 16 and 18+). These bands are similar to those of the old ELSPA system, but have been modified slightly to take into account tolerance levels in different European societies.
    
PEGI age ratings appear on games released after 2003
PEGI 3+
The content of games covered by this rating is considered suitable for all age groups. Some violence in a comical context (typically Bugs Bunny or Tom & Jerry forms of violence) is acceptable. The child should not be able to associate the character on the screen with real life characters, they should be totally fantasy. The game should not contain any sounds or pictures that are likely to scare or frighten young children. No bad language should be heard and there should be no scenes containing nudity nor any referring to sexual activity such that a parent may be questioned and have to start explaining the facts of life earlier than they would normally have done so. |
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PEGI 7+
In this age group children can be exposed to a little more violence which must
still, however, be to non-realistic fantasy characters. Any games that would
normally be rated at 3+ but contain some frightening scenes or sounds may be
considered suitable in this category. Some scenes of partial nudity may be
permitted but never in a sexual context. Again a child should not be lead into
questioning parents on these matters. |
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PEGI 12+
In this age group the child can be exposed to violence of a slightly more graphic nature if it is towards fantasy characters. However, any violence towards human looking characters or recognisable animals should still be non-graphic. Nudity of a slightly more graphic nature may be shown but still must not show genitalia. Some words amounting to sexual innuendo may be used but must not be in a form that is considered bad language. Any bad language must be mild and fall short of sexual expletives. Obvious innuendo of sexual activity even though the couple cannot be seen or clearly seen. |
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PEGI 16+
Young people in this age group can be exposed to slightly more extremes of violence as well as depictions of sexual activity and the use of extreme bad language. They should also be able to handle the concept of the use of tobacco and drugs, and the depiction of criminal activities. |
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PEGI 18+
18+ Designed to ensure that minors are not exposed to games that are unsuitable for their particular age group.
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The second PEGI element is a game descriptor. Graphic symbols on the back of packaging describe whether a game contains scenes that may be unsuitable for some players. Here are the symbols and what they mean:
The BBFC
Bad Language
Game contains bad language |
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Discrimination
Game contains depictions of, or material which may encourage, discrimination |
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Drugs
Game refers to or depicts the use of drugs |
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Fear
Game may be frightening or scary for young children |
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Sex
Game depicts nudity and/or sexual behaviour or sexual references |
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Violence
Game contains depictions of violence |
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The BBFC Rating?
Where do the BBFC fit in? While voluntary systems like the PEGI ratings serve as a great indicator for parents, they are just giving advice. Each European country has unique views about what is acceptable for a particular age group, and applies its own legally recognised age rating system.
In the UK, that job's given to the BBFC. Games with sensitive content can be identified by the familiar circular numbered icons on the packaging, and on the game’s disc or cartridge. Just like DVD and VHS movies, games with these ratings cannot legally be bought by anyone under the specified age.
 
Just like films on DVD, games with BBFC ratings can only be sold to people of that age or older.
It's all too is easy to get caught up in the media hype surrounding games that are linked with violence or crime in real life, but most games really are perfectly safe for your children to play. And by looking out for the ratings, it's easier than ever for you to make educated and informed decisions about what's suitable for your kids.
For more information and details please visit the following web sites:
• Ask About Games - http://www.askaboutgames.com
• Ask Pan European Game Information - http://www.pegi.info
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