The PEGI vs. BBFC clash has finally come to an end, with the European videogame rating board beating out the British Board of Film Classification to become the UK's sole game classifier. The BBFC was originally favored by the government, but PEGI was prefered by the games industry. Despite the bravado on both sides, it was looking like the BBFC would be the hot favorite, so this news is actually quite a shocker.
ELSPA chief Mike Rawlinson has praised the government's surprising decision, saying it was "absolutely right" and that "parents can be assured that they will have access to clear, uniform ratings on games and an accurate understanding of game content."
"Today's decision will ensure that games ratings stay relevant and adapt to the changing nature of videogames for many years to come," he adds. "Retailers will now have clear, legal backing to help them prevent access to unsuitable content by children. We will work closely with the government, the Video Standards Council and the BBFC to ensure a smooth and rapid transition to this new ratings system."
The responsibility for deciding what games we can play was split between the BBFC and PEGI, until it was decided we only needed one rating system. The BBFC and PEGI battled bitterly over who should win, with each side declaring only they were up to the task of controlling who gets to play what. The BBFC won no fans among gamers when it attempted to ban Manhunt 2. With PEGI now in control, it'll be interesting to see what happens to videogame ratings in the future.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
Likes
PS2, iPod Touch, Silent Hill 2, Metal Gear Solid, Dynasty Warriors 3
Meet the rest of the team
| BBcode help |
| [b]Bold text[/b] |
Bold text |
| [i]Italic text[/i] |
Italic text |
| [url]http://www.dtoid.com/[/url] |
http://www.dtoid.com |
| [url=http://www.dtoid.com/]Web link[/url] |
Web link |
|
| [img]http://www.example.com/robot.jpg[/img] |
 |
Post a comment! You can also post a photo below:
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
36 comments | showing # 1 to 36
|
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
Comments policy
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?
Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!
Contest:
10:40 AM on 06.16.2009 | 
They both seem reasonable when it comes to rating games.
Which coming from some applauding boob physics in a 12+ game I guess is kind of stupid.
Now just kick the USK out of Austria(maybe) and Germany(That...that won't happen)
Rather than an arbitrary set of age ratings designed for the Movies (How does PG apply to video games, the parents need to sit with the child? What mad world do we live it?!?!), we get something based on VGs, but also can tell what kind of "bad" content is in the game.
Though I await the Million £ fines that follow as games retailers forget that PEGI age ratings are legally enforceable.
I mean I never had a problem with the BBFC and I actually think there system is simpler and easier to understand. But banning a game, even one as bad as Manhunt 2 is a definite no go area.
The job of a rating board is to advise customers and protect minors from harmful imagery/experiences. Not to impose their views on the general public by banning anything. Something that the BBFC has struggled to come to terms with throughout their entire history.
(Completely misses the point of the article because of surprise)
Not like any parent ever bothered reading the ratings anyway, I still see parents walking out of stores with a copy of GTA for their 10 year old kid.
When I used to work at Dixons, parents would still buy 18 rated games for their kids with no idea of what it is they were buying. Funnily enough I bet you a good few of those people are probably the same people that read the Daily Mail and blame games for all the ill's of the world.
@Matte G - Totally agree, nice post
"Swearing, Threesomes or Adults, Drugs, Spiders, Chance, Sex, Violence"
I just asked my missus what she thought the symbols meant and that was her answers. The age ratings are retarded as well. They should use the same ratings & symbols they use on films with the little info box saying whats in it but have PEGI run it.
PEGI have those ratings because they apply to the products they rate, simple as that.
I'm 25, I couldn't give a crap about a 12 rating. And no smartass, a normal 12 would be fine. They have a 12+ rating in PEGI too along with a 3, 4, 6 and a 7. They don't apply IN MY OPINION nor do the syombols, simple as that.
Jesus fucking christ, are there ratings fanboys as well now.
Some are never used...
Any gambling in a game and it would probably have to be an 18.
I've always preferred their rating system anyway.
It's a warning for phobias - of which arachnophobia is the most common.
[/sarcasm?] : It's horror. And fear of public speaking is the most common phobia.