Whilst the BBFC classifies videos and DVD’s, it is no longer responsible for rating video games. This role has been passed on to the Video Standards Council (VSC), which became the sole statuatory in July 2012. The VSC uses the PEGI rating system to give games ratings, by using the Games Rating Authority (GRA), which acts as the VSC’s arm. However, games featuring strong pornographic content are still rated by the BBFC, along with ancillary mini-games which are released with a DVD.
The process which PEGI applies can be seen in detail here
Or alternatively, a simplified explanation can be seen below:
PEGI uses a number of different ratings which are listed below:
- PEGI 3
- PEGI 7
- PEGI 12
- PEGI 16
- PEGI 18
Additionally, there are often descriptors on video games which PEGI will supply which warn consumers what they might expect to see within a video game.
- Bad Language
- Discrimination
- Drugs
- Fear
- Gambling
- Sex
- Violence
- Online gameplay
When a publisher finishes producing a game, they may complete an online form, assessing the content of the game. PEGI allocates the according provisional age rating, and then the VSC confirm the rating through an examination pack, which contains all the relevant information and materials. The publisher then has the authorisation to use the rating labels on their product/game.
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