Video Game Age Ratings - 27/09/18

In today's lesson, we looked at a range of video game content descriptors in Europe, USA and Japan, from PEGI, the ESRB and CERO.

PEGI

PEGI ratings consider the age suitability of a game, and is used and recognised throughout Europe. Furthermore the PEGI rating system also has the support of the European Commission. In addition to this, it is to note that PEGI ratings do not rate the level of difficulty in a game, but the age suitability.

The content of games with a PEGI 3 rating is considered suitable for all age groups, and should not contain any sounds or pictures that could frighten young children. However, a very mild form of violence, such as in a comical context or in a childlike setting is acceptable. Bad language should not be used.

Game content which includes scenes or sounds that can possibly frighten younger children. Very mild forms of violence, such as implied, non-detailed or non-realistic violence is acceptable.

Games that show a slightly more graphical nature towards fantasy characters or non-realistic violence towards human-like characters. Sexual innuendos or sexual posturing can also be present, whilst any bad language featured must be mild. Gambling, as normally carried out in real life, can be featured, such as in casinos and gambling halls.

Can feature the depiction of violence or sexual activity when it has reached the stage that one would expect in real life. The use of bad language featured can be more extreme, while the use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs can be present.

The adult classification is applied when the level of violence reaches a stage where it becomes a depiction of gross violence, apparently motiveless killing, or violence towards defenseless characters. The glamorisation of the use of illegal drugs and explicit sexual activity should also fall into this age category.