TIGA, the trade associationrepresenting the UK games industry, says the PEGI system will only work if
people are fully aware of it – and parents take responsibility for the games
their children play.
Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of
TIGA, was talking on the day the Pegi (Pan-European Game Information) system
became legally enforceable in the UK, meaning retailers that sell titles with
ratings of 12, 16 or 18 years to children below the age limits will be subject
to prosecution. Under the new system the
Games Ratings Authority (GRA) – a division of the Hertfordshire-based Video
Standards Council – will be responsible for rating titles using Pegi's
criteria.
Dr Wilson said:
“It is important that
people are made aware of the PEGI system and understand what the ratings and
advisory comments mean. Parents and consumers generally need to know when they
purchase a boxed video game from a shop what the PEGI ratings mean so that they
can make informed decisions.However, while PEGI provides more information for
consumers, the purchaser must ultimately take responsibility for ensuring that
the game which he/she has bought is age-appropriate.
“Only bricks and mortar
stores are affected by the new law which puts PEGI on a statutory basis. Online
and digital downloads remaining exempt. As both of these methods typically
require a credit or debit card, parents can ensure that their children play age
appropriate games.”
TIGA's advice for parents
is to:
- Always look for the age
classification on the game package. - Try to look for a summary or
review of the game content or ideally play the game yourself first. - Play video games with your
children, watch over them when they play and talk with them about the games
they play. - Explain why certain games are not suitable.
- Be aware that online games
sometimes enable the download of extra software that can alter the game content
and eventually the age classification of the game.
Online games are usually
played in virtual communities requiring players to interact with unknown fellow
players.Tell your children not to
give out personal details and report inappropriate behaviour.Set the limits by using the
parental control tools of the game console or PC
The Age ratings
- 3 – suitable for those aged
three and above - 7 – suitable for those aged
seven and above - 12 – suitable for those aged
12 and above - 16 – suitable for those aged
- 16 and above18 – suitable for those aged
18 and above
- Violence – Game contains
depictions of violence - Bad language – Game contains
bad language - Fear – Game may be
frightening or scary for young children - Sex – Game depicts nudity
and/or sexual behaviour or sexual references - Gambling – Games that
encourage or teach gambling - Drugs – Game refers to or
depicts the use of drugs - Discrimination – Game
contains depictions of, or materials which may encourage, discrimination - Online – Online game
Notes to editors:About TIGA:
TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority
of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher
owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies,
technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. TIGA won 10 business awards and was
nominated a finalist for 9 other awards during 2010 and 2011. In 2010 TIGA won two business awards including
‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum.
In 2011, TIGA
won eight business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the
Trade Association Forum, ‘Outstanding Organisation’ from the Chartered
Management Institute and two Global Business Excellence Awards, including
‘Outstanding Marketing Campaign’.
Richard Wilson won the ‘Leadership Award’ from the Trade Association Forum
and the ‘Outstanding Leader’ award from the Chartered Management Institute.
TIGA is an Investors in People organisation.
TIGA's vision is to make the UK
the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets
of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and
developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This
means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power,
their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a
material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and
improved commercial opportunities.
For further
information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or
email richard.wilson@tiga.org.