PEGI game ratings come into effect:
The new rating system for video games in the United Kingdom, PEGI, comes into force today, fully replacing the current hybrid of the traditional British Board of Film Classification and PEGI that has the film style age rating placed alongside PEGI’s more specific warning labels.
While this will see PEGI game ratings shown with more prominence on game packaging, it also brings into effect laws against selling games to underage gamers. With this comes harsher penalties, leaving retailers responsible for making a mistake – deliberate or accidental – when selling to someone under the age the game is rated for; so look out for signs similar to supermarket age warnings, “if you don’t look 25…” in game retailers soon. Those found guilty of selling to someone that isn’t applicable for the game’s age rating, could face a prison sentence and a fine of up to £5,000. This is unlikely to be used in every instance, but it’ll likely be enough to put the fear in those that have sold to underage gamers in the past.
There should be a "more of the same" rating for each CoD
As part of the introduction, culture minister Ed Vaizey has been front and centre discussing (via MCV) the change: “The UK has one of the most dynamic and innovative video games industries in the world, and the games they produce not only entertain millions, but can also educate and foster creativity.”
“Today’s simplification of the ratings system benefits both industry and consumers and will help ensure that the millions of games sold in the UK each year are being played by the audiences they were intended for.”
The new rating system for video games in the United Kingdom, PEGI, comes into force today, fully replacing the current hybrid of the traditional British Board of Film Classification and PEGI that has the film style age rating placed alongside PEGI’s more specific warning labels.
While this will see PEGI game ratings shown with more prominence on game packaging, it also brings into effect laws against selling games to underage gamers. With this comes harsher penalties, leaving retailers responsible for making a mistake – deliberate or accidental – when selling to someone under the age the game is rated for; so look out for signs similar to supermarket age warnings, “if you don’t look 25…” in game retailers soon. Those found guilty of selling to someone that isn’t applicable for the game’s age rating, could face a prison sentence and a fine of up to £5,000. This is unlikely to be used in every instance, but it’ll likely be enough to put the fear in those that have sold to underage gamers in the past.
There should be a "more of the same" rating for each CoD
“Today’s simplification of the ratings system benefits both industry and consumers and will help ensure that the millions of games sold in the UK each year are being played by the audiences they were intended for.”
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