The BBFC/PEGI war continues as the British Board of Film Classification's David Cooke sows mistrust in the Pan-European Game Information board. Cooke asserts that nobody is actually sure who PEGI is, and claims that games are rated simply by "a couple of blokes."
"The trouble is that it is not clear who PEGI is," Cooke told The Times. "Administration is handled by the Dutch film regulator, who subcontracts to a couple of blokes [the Video Standards Council] in Borehamwood."
Cooke also said that having a single unified ratings system for the entire European Union doesn't reflect the cultural needs of each country within it.
"Look at what happens in film - there are different cultural sensitivities in each country. The French give Tarantino films 12 certificates; I'd be out of a job tomorrow if I did that. But the point is that there is no reason why those cultural differences go to sleep when it comes to games."
A fair point indeed. Personally, I'm now sitting on the fence as far as the BBFC/PEGI debate goes, as it really seems to put us between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, the BBFC cracks under political pressure, but on the other, PEGI would give companies like Microsoft and EA even more power over the industry. It's hard to root for a winner, really.
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49 comments + 106006 views
He makes some good points.
I'm starting to side more with the BBFC because if they are in charge at least it's harder for stupid parents to plead ignorance when they buy their kids manhunt 2 (whenever it comes out?) and the cultural differences is a major point especially when you look at films. Although the BBFC is unfair towards the games industry at the moment, let's not forget that they were towards films as well at one point so hopefully with time they will prove to be just as fair to games... well we can hope right?
The ending?
The PEGI IS the BBFC only with goatees!
Us Germans also have our own ratings, because laws are very strict about violence here.
We don't mind boobs much though. ^^
I dunno, since we started using PEGI here in Ireland, we've had a lot less bother. But then there hasn't really been a major video games controversy here yet, except Manhunt 2 (which our film censors office took the liberty of rating, the only game they have done so for in years)
Every 12 year old should see Pulp Fiction anyway. Watching and learning how to administer an adrenaline shot to the heart after a friend ODs simply prepares you for middle school. Amiright?
I side with the group that isn't going to delay my games and make them cost another £20.
PEGI- Because I want all of my game at a price that's decent.
@B-Radicate
I couldn't think of a more correct statement.
Oh stop beign so god damn english!
I just watched the wimbledon final and "players must wear white", "no night game, only with daylight"... come on! And the queen wasnt even there.
Is the queen going to play those games? Then who cares.
I dunno thats such a good arguement. I havn't looked at the cultural sensitivities arguement, but in the end all that matters is if i will get a copy of Manhunt 2 unedited. Would Pegi be any better.
In the end i say get rid of it compeltely. It really has no point other than guidance. Its not fricking beer for gods sake.
@B-Radicate
I learned how to administer an adrenaline shot on Firefly. Pulp Fiction not needed.
"if i will get a copy of Manhunt 2 unedited. Would Pegi be any better. "
Yes. PEGI never actually change anything, they just rate it.
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