How The UK Video Game Age Rating System Works (or Doesn't)

January 13th, 2015, 22:50 Posted By: wraggster

There’s a simple answer for anyone confused or alarmed about the content they find in a video game: read the ratings on the box. Scratch beneath the surface, though, and it’s more complicated than that. We actually have several ratings systems at work in the UK, and their criteria all differ.
In the UK all boxed video-games must have a PEGI (Pan European Game Information) rating specifying who the content is appropriate for: 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+ or 18+-year-olds. Digital stores on game consoles voluntarily require a PEGI rating for games to be sold. Steam applies the PEGI rating if one exists, but doesn’t require one for a game to be listed.
Smartphone and tablet game ratings are defined by each platform holder. On Android developers rate their content as being for Everyone or requiring Low, Medium or High Maturity. On iOS developers rate their content as appropriate for different ages, 4+, 9+, 12+ and 17+. On Windows phone developers rate their content as being appropriate for 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+ or 18+ players.

For anyone buying boxed games for consoles, the PEGI system is the one that will apply. Since 2012 the Games Rating Authority has been the sole body responsible for rating video games in the UK, using the PEGI system. Previously this had been a mixed economy, with BBFC and PEGI ratings appearing on different games. Frankly, it was kind of a mess.
This division now recognises the different expertise and criteria required to rate video game, as opposed to video, content. The PEGI ratings are owned by ISFE, funded by game publishers and focus on the mechanics of what happens in the game, with less emphasis on context and setting.
UK Government legislation enforces PEGI ratings on the supply of a “video work” that is “contained on any disc magnetic tape or any other device capable of storing data electronically”. It is illegal to “supply” a game for “reward” or “business” to an individual who is under the stated 12, 16 or 18 age rating. The 3 and 7 ratings are advisory and not legally enforced.
[h=3]It is illegal to “supply” a game for “reward” to an individual who is under the stated age rating. It is not illegal for a parent or third party to purchase a game for a child who is under the stated age.[/h]These terms mean that it is not illegal for a parent or third party to purchase a game for a child who is under the stated age. They also don’t apply to downloadable apps and games although Xbox Marketplace, PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop make PEGI ratings a requirement for the games they provide.
The PEGI process starts with the publishers completing a questionnaire to disclose all aspects of the game that may impact its rating, and provide video footage of these sections of the game. Failure to disclose full details can lead to a maximum fine of €500,000 - although no publisher has been penalised to date.

http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2015/01/13/u...m-works-doesnt

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