Details of PEGI, ELSPA
and BBFC age ratings.
PEGI (Pan European Game Information)
Established by the Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE) in
April 2003 PEGI is a European system for rating the content of video games
and other computer entertainment software. The PEGI system is used in
16 countries. All new video game titles in the United Kingdom that are
exempt from legal classification now use this system which replaced the
ELSPA standard. The five PEGI age rating classifications
for the United Kingdom are: 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+, 18+.
For more information visit the official
PEGI website.
ELSPA (The Entertainment and Leisure
Software Publishers Association)
Set up in 1989 by British software publishers and was known as The European
Leisure Software Publishers Association until 2002. Between 1994 and early
2003 ELSPA voluntarily rated computer games released in the United Kingdom
that were exempt from legal classification. The three ELSPA age rating
classifications are: 3+, 11+, 15+. As an age rating the ELSPA standard
has now been replaced by PEGI.
For more information visit the official
ELSPA website.
BBFC (The British Board of Film Classification)
Is responsible for rating the content of video games that require legal
classification (games that depict gross acts of violence and/or human
sexual activity). The five BBFC age rating classifications for games (Digital
Media) are: U, PG, 12+, 15+, 18+.
U (Universal) games are suitable for children
aged four years and over.
PG (Parental Guidance) games are advised for
children aged around eight or older. Children younger than eight or more
sensitive children may be upset by 'PG' games.
For more information visit the official
BBFC website. |
