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Ministers press forward with plans to tighten videogame laws

by Steven Williamson on 11 February 2008, 12:35

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Movie ratings system to be employed?

Government ministers are pressing forward with plans to introduce a ‘legally enforceable cinema-style classification system’ for videogames, according to reports from The Guardian’s digital blog.

The PEGI videogames rating system was created to help European parents make informed decisions on buying interactive games, but unsuitable games are still being sold to youngsters. If a similar system to the movie ratings one is used on videogames, ministers say that retailers will be legally bound not to sell games to anyone under that age.

Furthermore, ministers are currently in talks with a number of Internet service providers and are discussing ways to block or limit ‘unsuitable’ content from children.

The results of the Byron review (a full report on violence and video games) commissioned by Gordon Brown is set to be released next month.

Read more about the proposals at The Guardian website.


HEXUS Forums :: 23 Comments

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Posted by capt_cornflake - Mon 11 Feb 2008 13:19
This was actually front page of the hard copy Guardian on saturday.

I would have thought educating parents is a better strategy.
If mum lets little timmy play Grant Theft Auto despite having an 18 certificate, how is applying more certificates going to help?
Posted by directhex - Mon 11 Feb 2008 13:25
video games *HAVE* a legally enforceable cinema-style classification system. games are subject to the video recordings act 1984. the penalty is a 5k fine and 6 months in jail for the retailer, same as with 18-rated movies.
Posted by Prime - Mon 11 Feb 2008 13:36
its all bulls*it, and it all gets me so angry.
bottom line is: you have your own mind, if you are buying a certificated game then there is a reason for the age restriction on it.
perhaps they should take the focus off Computer games and try focusing on the fact that fuel is double the price it was 3 years ago, and the housing economy is going the same way rather than compete in a losing battle to severely sensor computer game violence and nudity.

as cornflake quite rightly said, don't buy the kids restricted games - i'm betting that most video game complaints are from nagging mothers who have bought these games for their kid.

i think of all the topics i get frustrated on: taxes, fines, price rises and such - this is by FAR the most sensitive to me, its complete BS coming from the mouth of a cabinet who have no clue in what they are talking about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by DavidM - Mon 11 Feb 2008 13:38
If parents took some responsibility of what children played… or visited on the web… then this should not even be needed.

A neighbour of mine has a simple solution - computer is in the living room, so no need to censor software - they can watch while they're browsing or playing…
Posted by kalniel - Mon 11 Feb 2008 13:44
Prime
bottom line is: you have your own mind, if you are buying a certificated game then there is a reason for the age restriction on it.
Um that's exactly what this ruling is talking about.
I think it's a great idea, widening the scheme that's already in place (which only enforces it for 18+ titles) and providing more accountability from parents and retailers alike.

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