Video Games Ratings

Age ratings are system types that are used to that the content in films, videos, DVDS, and Video games are labelled to the correct age group.  Ratings provide information to customers which allows them to know what age rating certain games are and it helps in their decision whether it is suitable for the child to get. Computer and Video Games are now enjoyed by millions across the world In the UK alone 37% alone between 16 and 49 are described as active gamers.  The rating on a game confirms that it is suitable for players at a certain age.  An example is PEGI 7 game is suitable for those aged 7 and above.  PEGI the Pan-European Game Information this is a system that has been created to help parents make informed decisions when purchasing computer games. 

PEGI was launched in the spring of 2003 this replaced systems of age rating with just one system now that is used throughout Europe in 30 different countries this system is supported by the major consoles this includes Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo.  Games used to be separately rated by BBFC but due to the high amount of games rated by PEGI it became the sole system in rating video games with the introduction of PEGI this helps them because they are told the rating and this helps them choose what content they should include in their game and because it has become a law in shops any person who is under age is unable to purchase the rated game this shows that it is enforceable this is not a new law because in place when BBFC was the system but due to PEGI this now includes the majority of the games on the shelves in the shops today

However with Digital distribution becoming more popular how are companies meant to know if someone purchasing a game via Xbox or PS3 is under age how are they meant to know?.