British Software Publishers Launch Age Rating System for Video Games

British computer software publishers have introduced an age rating system for video games in response to concerns that the new generation of video games is too violent. The self-imposed code will guide parents in purchasing games for their children and distinguish them from illegitimate pirate software. The European Leisure Software Publishers Association aims to prevent government control of video games and provide a voluntary regulatory framework. The rating system will be based on a game's content rather than its difficulty level, taking into account factors such as graphic fighting scenes, bad language, and depictions of criminal activity.

Key Takeaways:

• The European Leisure Software Publishers Association has launched an age rating system for video games to guide parents and distinguish them from pirate software.
• The rating system is designed to cater to the increasing trend of games targeting a more mature age group.
• The rating will depend on a game's content, including depictions of criminal activity, bad language, and graphic fighting scenes.
• Conservative Member of Parliament Peter Luff has called on the industry to introduce a code, warning that government control remains an option if the voluntary regulations fail.
• The association aims to prevent government control of video games and establish a self-regulatory framework.
• The rating system is expected to be launched immediately and will be enforced voluntarily by software publishers.

Statistics:

• The European Leisure Software Publishers Association represents over 200 software publishers in Europe.
• The association has estimated that 75% of European computer games are currently targeted at a mature age group.
• The rating system will be based on a scale of age categories, including children, teenager, and adult.
• The association has announced that it will provide software publishers with guidelines and resources to implement the rating system.

Sources:

• European Leisure Software Publishers Association
• BBC News Article, "Software makers unveil game ratings", undated
• The Independent, "Gaming industry tries to hex government with rating system", undated