DCMS wrote:Video games age ratings set for modernisation - Government implements Byron recommendations
Government implements Byron recommendations
A consultation on ways to improve how video games are classified was announced by Culture Minister Margaret Hodge today.
A new, legally enforceable system of age classification will help to make sure that video games are played by the appropriate age group, giving parents, retailers and consumers the guidance they need to make informed choices.
Clinical psychologist Dr Tanya Byron, in her report Safer Children in a Digital World, recognised the potential for learning, development and enjoyment that has come with the growth of video games, but also identified a need to protect children and young people from harmful or inappropriate material.
She recommended a reform of the classification system for rating games that is flexible and appropriate for the internet, and carries a single set of trustworthy and recognisable symbols.
Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said:
"The current system of classification comes from a time when video games were in their infancy. In recent years there have been extraordinary developments in technology, with increasingly realistic gameplay and highly evolved storylines. At the same time more and more games are now accessed on line.
"We have also seen a big growth in games aimed at a grown-up market, which invariably include scenes unsuitable for young people. The games market has simply outgrown the classification system, so today we are consulting on options that will make games classification useful and relevant again."
Dr Tanya Byron said:
"I welcome this period of public consultation. While my recommendations centred on the issue of child safety, I emphasised in my report the important contribution that all stakeholders have to make to this debate."
Currently there are two parallel systems in place for rating video games in the UK.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has the power to impose legally enforceable age limits on games that depict certain violent or sexual behaviour, or to ban games completely. All other games are classified by PEGI, a non-enforceable pan-European system set up voluntarily by the video games industry and administered in the UK by the Video Standards Council.
The Government is now seeking views on four options for video games classification. Those options are for:
* a hybrid of the current BBFC and PEGI systems, with a legal requirement for the BBFC to rate all games suitable for players over the age of 12;
* a system based solely on PEGI ratings, but enforceable by law;
* a system using only BBFC ratings; or
* a continuation of the current arrangement, backed up by a code of practice to ensure that retailers and suppliers comply with the system.
Notes to editors
1. Dr Tanya Byron's review of the internet and video games and their impact on young people reported in March 2008. Further information is available at:http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cg ... =2008_0060
2. The four classification options detailed in the consultation document are:
I. BBFC/PEGI (Pan-European Game Information) hybrid system
The BBFC would rate all games that are only suitable for players over the age of 12, with PEGI continuing to rate all 3+ and 7+ games. The BBFC logos would appear on the front of all boxes, with the PEGI logos on the back.
The BBFC would extend its statutory powers to cover games from 12+, bringing it into line with the classification system used for DVDs and videos and building on parental awareness and understanding of what those ratings mean. For this to work best, the BBFC and PEGI would need to agree to harmonise their logos and age classifications so there is no further potential for confusion.
II. Enhanced PEGI system
A UK-based organisation (potentially the Video Standards Council) would be the designated statutory classification body for video games, applying the PEGI ratings. The VSC (or other UK body chosen) would need to sign up to this new role and any other legislative duties required of it. All video games would be rated using the PEGI system and the only role for the BBFC would be in classifying film content which is not integral to the game.
III. BBFC only system
The BBFC would act as the sole statutory classifications body for all video games, applying its ratings from U to 18. It would retain its power to refuse to classify games it feels are potentially harmful based on its public consultations.
IV. Voluntary Code of Practice
There would be no changes made to the legislation so BBFC and PEGI would continue to classify games as they currently do. The current system of dual classification and labelling would continue to exist. The Government would then ask retailers and suppliers to sign up to a voluntary Code of Practice to ensure that they adhered to the classification system when supplying video games to children aged 12 or above, even though a statutory offence would not be committed if they broke the Code.
Dr Byron's Review recommended the nine essential elements of any new classification system for video games:
1. There must be a trustworthy, uniform and clear set of symbols or labels to categorise the age ratings with accompanying descriptors which explain game content.
2. There must be the power to refuse to certify certain titles so they cannot be sold (or supplied) in the UK.
3. There must be a statutory basis to the video game classification system from the age of 12 onwards.
4. There should continue to be a non-statutory system up to the age of 12.
5. Any system must be flexible and future proof.
6. The system must work for the games industry.
7. The system must support retailers.
8. The system must reflect the evidence on potential harm.
9. Government and industry must take into account how the system will translate into online gaming.
Press enquiries 020 7211 6269
Out of hours telephone pager 07699 751153
Public enquiries 020 7211 6200
http://www.culture.gov.uk
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Video games age ratings set for modernisation
Moderator: Forum Moderators
Video games age ratings set for modernisation
I get all sorts of email updates at work, and although utterly unrelated to my job, thought this one might be of interest to 5punkers:
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Dr. kitteny berk
- Morbo
- Posts: 19676
- Joined: December 10th, 2004, 21:53
- Contact:
This is a good thing mostly (also, she's a milf)
Unfortunately, there's a risk of massive fuckups if they do let the BBFC at this stuff, given ISTR they're usually quite slow, given the nature of movies (in that the time between filming being complete, and the movie actually being done is very, very long indeed)
Games usually go gold, and are on shelves within a month at most.
I suspect
Unfortunately, there's a risk of massive fuckups if they do let the BBFC at this stuff, given ISTR they're usually quite slow, given the nature of movies (in that the time between filming being complete, and the movie actually being done is very, very long indeed)
Games usually go gold, and are on shelves within a month at most.
I suspect
Would be the most viable way of doing it.II. Enhanced PEGI system
A UK-based organisation (potentially the Video Standards Council) would be the designated statutory classification body for video games, applying the PEGI ratings. The VSC (or other UK body chosen) would need to sign up to this new role and any other legislative duties required of it. All video games would be rated using the PEGI system and the only role for the BBFC would be in classifying film content which is not integral to the game.
Good. Just don't make me wait another six months for my games.
Careful now. Classification != Censorship.2. There must be the power to refuse to certify certain titles so they cannot be sold (or supplied) in the UK.
Warning: Asshats.9. Government and industry must take into account how the system will translate into online gaming.
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Dr. kitteny berk
- Morbo
- Posts: 19676
- Joined: December 10th, 2004, 21:53
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Stoat wrote:Good. Just don't make me wait another six months for my games.
Careful now. Classification != Censorship.2. There must be the power to refuse to certify certain titles so they cannot be sold (or supplied) in the UK.
kinda, I think there has to be limits on what's allowed, but GTA and manhunt etc should be fine, but probably no babyrape simulators. Stoat wrote:Warning: Asshats.9. Government and industry must take into account how the system will translate into online gaming.
Online experience of this game blah blah
It means the game is in a state to be released, ie. manufacturing of media can start. I don't know why "going gold".Lateralus wrote:What does "going gold" actually signify? Is it not a landmark number of titles sold?
/edit
www.gamedev.net wrote:Terminology used when software is burned onto a "gold" cd that will be sent to the CD manufacturers to be reproduced.So named because of the CDR burnable CDs are gold backed normally. See Going Glass.
The point of this from a gamer's point of view is to put some regulations in place to stop ill informed parents buying violent games for their little darlings and then damning the whole industry when they see what it is they're actually playing. With that in mind, I'd like to see them use the BBFC classification symbols so as to minimise the chance of confusion for the least intelligent of buyers.
fabyak wrote:Because each of them must speak to Henry Kelly before they are allowed to take the 'ready to be released' test
Or the very indie Shed Seven
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2veyHoKjfyA[/media]
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Roman Totale
- Robotic Bumlord
- Posts: 8475
- Joined: October 24th, 2004, 0:27
- Location: Manchester, UK
Saw some daft old tart on GMTV the other morning harping on about how the games industry needs to take more responsibilty.
Presenter chap asks "Yes, but isn't it ultimately the parents responsibility?"
Old bint "Well....yes, but blahblah" - basically proceeding to absolve parents of fucking responsibility over their own brattish spawn.
Presenter chap asks "Yes, but isn't it ultimately the parents responsibility?"
Old bint "Well....yes, but blahblah" - basically proceeding to absolve parents of fucking responsibility over their own brattish spawn.
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Roman Totale
- Robotic Bumlord
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- Location: Manchester, UK
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HereComesPete
- Throbbing Cupcake
- Posts: 10249
- Joined: February 17th, 2007, 23:05
- Location: The maleboge
What he said. I learned that from john motson, crazy old man that he is.As for why parents absolved of responsibility by their own ineptitude and general blnkered view on life become soccor mums, I think hehulk was referring to how they all bomb around in huge cars and run things over and stand at the side of the pitch ignoring little johnny and little timmy being utter shits because they're busy networking.
That's how I see them anyway, hehulk would be less eloquent.
