1. The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age rating system was established to help European parents make informed decisions on buying computer games.
2. It was launched in spring 2003 and replaced a number of national age rating systems with a single system
3. Used throughout most of Europe, in 30 countries (Austria Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Norway, Slovenia, Belgium, Estonia, Iceland, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, Bulgaria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Sweden, Cyprus, France, Israel, Malta, Romania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovak Republic and the United Kingdom)
4. Computer and video games are now enjoyed by millions of players throughout Europe.
5. In the UK, 37 % of the population aged between 16 and 49 describe themselves as ‘active gamers’ (defined as currently playing games on a console, handheld or PC). In comparison, in Spain and Finland 28% of the population aged 16 and 49 are defined as ‘active gamers’(Nielsen report 2008).
6. While most games (49%) are suitable for players of all ages there are many that are only suitable for older children and young teenagers.
7. There are also some games (4%) that are made for adults only (over the age of 18).
8. The rating on a game confirms that it is suitable for players over a certain age. PEGI is used and recognised throughout Europe and has the enthusiastic support of the European Commission. It is considered to be a model of European harmonisation in the field of the protection of children.
9. Descriptors shown on the back of the packaging indicate the main reasons why a game has received a particular age rating.
10. There are eight such descriptors: violence, bad language, fear, drugs, sexual, discrimination, gambling and online gameplay with other people.
11. The PEGI labels appear on front and back of the packaging indicating one of the following age levels: 3, 7, 12, 16 and 18.
12. They provide a reliable indication of the suitability of the game content in terms of protection of minors. The age rating does not take into account the difficulty level or skills required to play a game.
13. The system is supported by the major console manufacturers, including Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo, as well as by publishers and developers of interactive games throughout Europe. The age rating system was developed by the Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE).
14. In 2008 the total number of ratings was 9847
15. 423 games are 18+ which is 4% of the number of games rated
16. Many websites and online services contain small games and in order to cover this rapidly growing segment, the PEGI OK label was devised.
17. When a small online game on a website has been labelled ‘PEGI OK’, it means that the game can comfortably be played by players of all age groups because it does not contain any potentially unsuitable game content.
18. A PEGI OK label indicates that the strict PEGI rating criteria have been applied and it has been ascertained that there is nothing in the game that would lead to a higher rating than the standard 3+ category.
2. It was launched in spring 2003 and replaced a number of national age rating systems with a single system
3. Used throughout most of Europe, in 30 countries (Austria Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Norway, Slovenia, Belgium, Estonia, Iceland, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, Bulgaria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Sweden, Cyprus, France, Israel, Malta, Romania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovak Republic and the United Kingdom)
4. Computer and video games are now enjoyed by millions of players throughout Europe.
5. In the UK, 37 % of the population aged between 16 and 49 describe themselves as ‘active gamers’ (defined as currently playing games on a console, handheld or PC). In comparison, in Spain and Finland 28% of the population aged 16 and 49 are defined as ‘active gamers’(Nielsen report 2008).
6. While most games (49%) are suitable for players of all ages there are many that are only suitable for older children and young teenagers.
7. There are also some games (4%) that are made for adults only (over the age of 18).
8. The rating on a game confirms that it is suitable for players over a certain age. PEGI is used and recognised throughout Europe and has the enthusiastic support of the European Commission. It is considered to be a model of European harmonisation in the field of the protection of children.
9. Descriptors shown on the back of the packaging indicate the main reasons why a game has received a particular age rating.
10. There are eight such descriptors: violence, bad language, fear, drugs, sexual, discrimination, gambling and online gameplay with other people.
11. The PEGI labels appear on front and back of the packaging indicating one of the following age levels: 3, 7, 12, 16 and 18.
12. They provide a reliable indication of the suitability of the game content in terms of protection of minors. The age rating does not take into account the difficulty level or skills required to play a game.
13. The system is supported by the major console manufacturers, including Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo, as well as by publishers and developers of interactive games throughout Europe. The age rating system was developed by the Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE).
14. In 2008 the total number of ratings was 9847
15. 423 games are 18+ which is 4% of the number of games rated
16. Many websites and online services contain small games and in order to cover this rapidly growing segment, the PEGI OK label was devised.
17. When a small online game on a website has been labelled ‘PEGI OK’, it means that the game can comfortably be played by players of all age groups because it does not contain any potentially unsuitable game content.
18. A PEGI OK label indicates that the strict PEGI rating criteria have been applied and it has been ascertained that there is nothing in the game that would lead to a higher rating than the standard 3+ category.
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