Pan European Game Information
Pan European Game Information (English for Europe-wide game information , PEGI [ ˈpɛgi ] for short ) is the first Europe-wide age rating system for computer games and is administered by the Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE). The Dutch Institute for the Classification of Audiovisual Media (NICAM) is responsible for the practical implementation of the PEGI system .
history
PEGI was developed as a unified European system in order to eliminate the inconsistency between the software rating systems of different countries and to facilitate the pan-European sales of games. In addition, the costs of the software company should be reduced and the test times shortened. PEGI was designed between May 2001 and May 2002 by a multinational working group consisting of representatives from governments, associations and the games industry.
The system was introduced in the European countries in April 2003 and replaced the previous voluntary classification systems there. In contrast to some other classification systems, only recommendations are made for buyers and parents; the classifications are not binding in many countries.
Since July 2009 there are new PEGI symbols which differ in color (green for 3+ and 7+, yellow for 12+ and 16+, red for 18+).
Procedure
The PEGI system consists of two parts: an age recommendation and a content rating . Both are indicated by various symbols on the game packaging.
The game industry independently carries out the evaluation process using an evaluation sheet. To do this, game development companies must join the system and sign a code of conduct in which they undertake to provide buyers and parents with objective, truthful information about the appropriate age rating of their games. The publisher also undertakes to adapt the advertising of its products to this classification.
After they have tested a game, the manufacturers' internal programmers fill out the evaluation form via an intranet. Based on this information, the game is tentatively assigned a rating. The age recommendations proposed by the manufacturer are then checked and checked by NICAM. After completion of the process, the games in question will be confirmed by NICAM (on behalf of ISFE) and a license will be granted for the use of the special logos.
The International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) procedure applies to the PEGI age rating of online games and all other types of apps .
National characteristics
Portugal made minor changes to the classification system to bring it into line with local legislation. Instead of the “3+” classification, there is the “4+” classification and “6+” instead of “7+”.
In Finland there was a “15+” classification instead of “16+” and “11+” instead of “12+”. On January 1, 2007 these were replaced by the standard age groups.
In the UK , the PEGI rating had to be cleared for games with content that was not suitable for minors through the BBFC rating system. In the meantime, however, the PEGI system has also been adopted there and anchored in law.
Germany - one of the largest markets for video games - did not adopt the PEGI system. Instead, the mandatory age rating of the USK is used . Nevertheless, the PEGI classification can often be found on products for the German-speaking area, as these are also produced for the Austrian and Swiss markets.
PEGI labeling is required by law in the following countries: Austria (Vienna and Carinthia only), Finland (or VET classification), Ireland (IFCO if applicable), Iceland, Israel, Lithuania, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Most European countries are represented in an advisory committee (PEGI Council).
Age ratings
The symbols are on the front and back of the game packaging.
| Symbol 2003-2009 |
Symbol 2009-2010 |
Icon since 2010 |
description | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Recommended for ages 3 and up | |
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Recommended for ages 4 and up | Only in Portugal; instead of PEGI 3 |
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Recommended for ages 6 and up | Only in Portugal; instead of PEGI 7 |
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Recommended for ages 7 and up | |
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Recommended for ages 11 and up | Only in Finland until January 2007; instead of PEGI 12 | ||
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Recommended for ages 12 and up | |
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Recommended for ages 15 and up | Only in Finland until January 2007; instead of PEGI 16 | ||
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Recommended for ages 16+ | |
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Recommended for ages 18+ |
By December 2015, 25,387 games were examined, of which 42.2% were rated with PEGI 3, 15.8% with PEGI 7, 22.3% with PEGI 12, 12.7% with PEGI 16 and 7% with PEGI 18.
Content rating icons
There are colorless, square symbols for classification according to content characteristics. These were not affected by the changes in June 2009. These symbols are only found on the back of packaging.
The symbols for content classification with their content criteria for labeling are as follows:
| symbol | designation | Content criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
violence | The game contains depictions of violence (in PEGI 7: non-realistic depictions of violence, in PEGI 12: violence in a fantasy environment, in PEGI 16/18: realistic depictions of violence) |
|
Swear words | The game contains vulgar language (in PEGI 12: power words, curses, insults, in PEGI 16/18: blasphemy , sexual power words) |
|
fear | The game could be frightening for children (with PEGI 7) or contain horror elements (with PEGI 12) |
|
sex | Nudity or sexual acts (or allusions to them) are shown (in PEGI 12: words or acts with sexual allusions, in PEGI 16: erotic representations and nudity with sexual reference, in PEGI 18: sex representations) |
|
Drugs | Presentation of or reference to drug use (for PEGI 16: tobacco and alcohol, for PEGI 18: illegal drugs) |
|
Gambling | The game contains elements of gambling or encourages gambling (from PEGI 12) |
|
Discrimination | Presentation of discrimination or elements that can be understood as an invitation to discriminate (for PEGI 18) |
|
On-line | The game contains online content. |
Casual games
Web games without the above problem descriptions and thus PEGI 3 accordingly can be marked with PEGI OK ( 
). Websites that follow the PEGI Online Safety Code - d. H. do not contain any illegal or offensive content, have reporting mechanisms for this and guarantee data protection - you can indicate this 
.
Arrangement of symbols
How the symbols must be displayed and arranged on packaging, websites and in advertising is specified in the PEGI guidelines . On dark backgrounds, lighter versions of the logos with white instead of black background must be used. The positioning with the age symbols can be arranged one above the other or next to one another. The lettering with the web address must be placed in the middle under the symbols.
Similar pictograms are also used in other classification systems, especially on the Asian market. There is still a symbol of torture in South Korea. The symbols of the Dutch film and television rating system Kijkwijzer are very similar .
List of countries that are affiliated with PEGI
In addition to these countries, which are officially affiliated with PEGI, other countries also offer games with a PEGI classification. These countries are not an official PEGI member, but offer the PEGI system because they are e.g. B. do not use your own classification. It also happens that such countries import games from a country that is a member of the PEGI and sell them in their own country.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Michael Bonke: England adopts the PEGI system for age ratings. PC Games , June 16, 2009, accessed June 17, 2009 .
- ↑ New system of video games classification will help protect children - PEGI system adopted for all UK games ( Memento from April 14, 2010 in the Internet Archive )
- ↑ a b PEGI Annual Report 2015. PEGI, accessed on April 17, 2017 (English).
- ↑ PEGI Rolls Out New Rating Symbols. On: gamepolitics.com, June 17, 2009. (accessed August 17, 2010)
- ^ PEGI Online. (PDF) (No longer available online.) PEGI, p. 2 , archived from the original on February 1, 2012 ; accessed on August 14, 2010 . Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ a b PEGI Guidelines. ( Memento of August 6, 2009 in the Internet Archive ) First edition, effective May 2007. (PDF file, 580 kB, English, accessed on August 17, 2010)
- ↑ Pictures on commons
- ↑ https://bupp.at/de/themen/jugendschutz
