Video games age ratings
set for modernisation - Government implements Byron recommendations
DEPARTMENT FOR
CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT News Release (081/2008) issued by The
Government News Network on 31 July 2008
Government
implements Byron recommendations
A consultation on ways to improve how video games are classified
was announced by Culture Minister Margaret Hodge today.
A new, legally enforceable system of age classification will help
to make sure that video games are played by the appropriate age
group, giving parents, retailers and consumers the guidance they
need to make informed choices.
Clinical psychologist Dr Tanya Byron, in her report Safer
Children in a Digital World, recognised the potential for
learning, development and enjoyment that has come with the growth
of video games, but also identified a need to protect children and
young people from harmful or inappropriate material.
She recommended a reform of the classification system for rating
games that is flexible and appropriate for the internet, and
carries a single set of trustworthy and recognisable symbols.
Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said:
"The current system of classification comes from a time when
video games were in their infancy. In recent years there have been
extraordinary developments in technology, with increasingly
realistic gameplay and highly evolved storylines. At the same time
more and more games are now accessed on line.
"We have also seen a big growth in games aimed at a grown-up
market, which invariably include scenes unsuitable for young
people. The games market has simply outgrown the classification
system, so today we are consulting on options that will make games
classification useful and relevant again."
Dr Tanya Byron said:
"I welcome this period of public consultation. While my
recommendations centred on the issue of child safety, I emphasised
in my report the important contribution that all stakeholders have
to make to this debate."
Currently there are two parallel systems in place for rating
video games in the UK.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has the power to
impose legally enforceable age limits on games that depict certain
violent or sexual behaviour, or to ban games completely. All
other games are classified by PEGI, a non-enforceable pan-European
system set up voluntarily by the video games industry and
administered in the UK by the Video Standards Council.
The Government is now seeking views on four options for video
games classification. Those options are for:
* a hybrid of the current BBFC and PEGI systems, with a legal
requirement for the BBFC to rate all games suitable for players
over the age of 12;
* a system based solely on PEGI ratings, but enforceable by law;
* a system using only BBFC ratings; or
* a continuation of the current arrangement, backed up by a code
of practice to ensure that retailers and suppliers comply with the system.
Notes to editors
1. Dr Tanya Byron's review of the internet and video games
and their impact on young people reported in March 2008. Further
information is available at:http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2008_0060
2. The four classification options detailed in the consultation
document are:
I. BBFC/PEGI (Pan-European Game Information) hybrid system
The BBFC would rate all games that are only suitable for players
over the age of 12, with PEGI continuing to rate all 3+ and 7+
games. The BBFC logos would appear on the front of all boxes, with
the PEGI logos on the back.
The BBFC would extend its statutory powers to cover games from
12+, bringing it into line with the classification system used for
DVDs and videos and building on parental awareness and
understanding of what those ratings mean. For this to work best,
the BBFC and PEGI would need to agree to harmonise their logos and
age classifications so there is no further potential for confusion.
II. Enhanced PEGI system
A UK-based organisation (potentially the Video Standards Council)
would be the designated statutory classification body for video
games, applying the PEGI ratings. The VSC (or other UK body
chosen) would need to sign up to this new role and any other
legislative duties required of it. All video games would be rated
using the PEGI system and the only role for the BBFC would be in
classifying film content which is not integral to the game.
III. BBFC only system
The BBFC would act as the sole statutory classifications body for
all video games, applying its ratings from U to 18. It would
retain its power to refuse to classify games it feels are
potentially harmful based on its public consultations.
IV. Voluntary Code of Practice
There would be no changes made to the legislation so BBFC and
PEGI would continue to classify games as they currently do. The
current system of dual classification and labelling would continue
to exist. The Government would then ask retailers and suppliers
to sign up to a voluntary Code of Practice to ensure that they
adhered to the classification system when supplying video games to
children aged 12 or above, even though a statutory offence would
not be committed if they broke the Code.
Dr Byron's Review recommended the nine essential elements of
any new classification system for video games:
1. There must be a trustworthy, uniform and clear set of symbols
or labels to categorise the age ratings with accompanying
descriptors which explain game content.
2. There must be the power to refuse to certify certain titles so
they cannot be sold (or supplied) in the UK.
3. There must be a statutory basis to the video game
classification system from the age of 12 onwards.
4. There should continue to be a non-statutory system up to the
age of 12.
5. Any system must be flexible and future proof.
6. The system must work for the games industry.
7. The system must support retailers.
8. The system must reflect the evidence on potential harm.
9. Government and industry must take into account how the system
will translate into online gaming.
Public enquiries 020 7211 6200
http://www.culture.gov.uk
2-4 Cockspur Street
London SW1Y 5DH
http://www.culture.gov.uk