PEGI sees official UK use begin on 30th July

The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system of classifying games is set to come into effect on the 30th of July, after years of delays.

Currently the UK uses a mixture of the traditional British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) rating – but only if it contains mature content – and PEGI. On the 30th, the former system will be officially dropped, leaving games sold within the boundaries of the United Kingdom with a single ratings system. This will also mark the date that the ratings become legally enforceable, meaning retailers caught selling to those under the suggested PEGI age ratings can be prosecuted.

The idea behind the move is to provide not only a clearer ratings system with the use of just one on the packaging, but also a much more detailed one. The BBFC rating system in its latest iteration, features age and maturity ratings from U, through PG, 12A, 15 and 18. However, the PEGI system is much more specific, presenting not only an age rating that runs through 3, 7, 12, 16 and 18 years of age, but content warnings as well. These include: fear, sex, violence, bad language and even “online.”

KitGuru Says: Better ratings systems specifically designed with games in-mind are a welcome thing, they're useful for game sellers and parents. However, the latter group still needs to make sure to do their research before giving their children games they wouldn't otherwise be able to buy themselves.

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