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Industry Expert Calls On The Government To Adopt PEGI To Future-Proof Computer Games Ratings |
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Written by Ben Hartland
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Tuesday, 23 September 2008 |
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Paul Jackson, director general of ELSPA, the Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association, has told the government that the BBFC is ‘not fit for purpose’ as a ratings system for computer games.
Speaking at a fringe event at the Labour Party conference today, Mr
Jackson called on the audience to support the Pan-European Game
Information (PEGI) system, which he said is the only ratings
classification that has the power to prevent game publishers
distributing unsuitable content to children. Mr Jackson explained to
the audience that there is currently a two-tier system in the UK for
rating computer games which everyone finds confusing. Under this
system, games are rated under PEGI, which has been adopted across
Europe. It is based on standards developed by child safety and games
experts who understand games, their impact, their playability and their
individuality.
However, there is also, uniquely in the UK, a second rating system run
by BBFC, the film classification board who have limited jurisdiction
over games ratings via the Video Recordings Act.
According to Mr Jackson: “A linear ratings system like the one the BBFC
uses is designed for films with a beginning, middle and end where the
outcome is always the same. It just can’t cope with the infinite
variety and complexity of modern video games, and the interaction
between players.
“There is a simple proof of this already available. The film ratings
board continually downgrades games classified 18 by PEGI. They go to
BBFC 15 or even BBFC 12. History shows us that BBFC ratings – and the
UK – would regularly be out of step with our European neighbours.”
Mr Jackson also explained that the PEGI ratings system would be the
most suitable to handle the increase in online gaming. With more and
more children playing computer games online against peers all over the
world, it is more important than ever to ensure that they are safe
while they do so.
Mr Jackson argues that PEGI is the only system with online credibility:
“As well as being quick and simple to follow as a ratings system, it is
very easily scalable to cope with the rapid growth in online games and
add-ons.”
PEGI is supported by the majority of the computer games industry, which
argues that it is the right tool for the job, as opposed to the BBFC
system, which was developed to rate film, rather than game, content.
The industry believes that PEGI is the ideal system for protecting
children from unsuitable content both today and in the future.
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