PEGI
From GamerWiki
The Pan European Games Information (PEGI) age rating system is a new, pan-European age rating system for interactive games. Designed to ensure that minors are not exposed to games that are unsuitable for their particular age group, the system is supported by the major console manufacturers, including Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo GameCube, as well as by publishers and developers of interactive games throughout Europe.
The PEGI ratings have replaced the ELSPA ratings which appeared on games in some European countries before 2002.
Ratings Explained
The PEGI system was developed and based on existing systems in Europe. In the drafting of the PEGI assessment form and the shaping of the system organisation, society representatives such as consumers, parents and religious groups have been largely involved.
PEGI has been designed to meet varying cultural standards and attitudes across the participating countries. Member States and is supported by the majority of relevant Member State Government Agencies and all interactive leisure software trade organisations in Europe.
The PEGI system is a voluntary system in which the ratings are carried out by members of the game industry itself. This takes place by means of a self assessment form. After examining a game, the in-house coder uses an intranet to answer a number of questions, after which the rating of the game will be given automatically. For each content category an age is established, based on the answers on the assessment form.
Ratings proposed by publishers are then checked by NICAM. All 16+ or 18+ ratings are checked before a rating is granted. All 12+ and samples of 3+ and 7+ ratings are checked after a rating has been granted. At the end of the process, products concerned are granted by NICAM, on behalf of ISFE, a license to use a specific logo and possibly descriptors as well.
| Icon | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3+ | Game has been rated suitable for 3 years and older. |
| 7+ | Game has been rated suitable for 7 years and older. |
| 12+ | Game has been rated suitable for 12 years and older. |
| 16+ | Game has been rated suitable for 16 years and older. |
| 18+ | Game has been rated suitable for 18 years and older. |
| Bad Language | Game contains bad language. |
| Discrimination | Game contains depictions of, or material which may encourage, discrimination. |
| Drugs | Game refers to or depicts the use of drugs. |
| Fear | Game may be frightening or scary for young children. |
| Sex | Game depicts nudity and/or sexual behaviour or sexual references. |
| Violence | Game contains depictions of violence. |
