Press Release
10 July 2012, London –
Ukie and the VSC have today welcomed news from government that 30
July should mark the start of PEGI being implemented as the sole age
rating system for video games in the UK.
Currently, the UK has two age ratings systems for video games, BBFC and PEGI. From 30 July PEGI will become the single video game age rating system for all video games in the UK. Under the PEGI system, it will be illegal for a retailer to sell a video game with a PEGI age rating of 12, 16 or 18 to someone under that age.
Though technically still subject to Parliamentary scrutiny (and therefore open to possible small delays), the Regulations that have been formally presented to Parliament have set 30th July as the date that the new system will come into force.
Jo Twist, CEO of Ukie, says: “We welcome the news from government that 30 July is now looking the likely date for the implementation of PEGI as the single age rating system for video games in the UK. To prepare for the transition to the new system, we’ve already held PEGI briefing sessions to make sure that the industry is clear about what these changes will mean for them.
“We very much believe that the sole adoption of PEGI will provide clear and consistent direction on age ratings for parents and will be a vital tool in helping them to understand the types of games that their children should be playing.”
Laurie Hall, Director General of the VSC says: “I am delighted that this marathon task of establishing PEGI as the definitive rating system for video games in the UK is approaching a conclusion. The VSC is fully positioned to fulfil its new role and take on the new responsibilities.”
Alongside this new legislation being implemented, a national campaign is being run by Ukie, called Control.Collaborate.Create., in order to raise awareness and educate consumers about PEGI and the benefits of gaming for families. This includes the re-launch of www.askaboutgames.com, a resource for parents and the industry providing further information about video games ratings. It also offers real family stories and suggestions on how video games can be a creative and collaborative experience for all the family.
More details about the impact of the change in legislation for the industry can also be found at www.videostandards.org.uk
Currently, the UK has two age ratings systems for video games, BBFC and PEGI. From 30 July PEGI will become the single video game age rating system for all video games in the UK. Under the PEGI system, it will be illegal for a retailer to sell a video game with a PEGI age rating of 12, 16 or 18 to someone under that age.
Though technically still subject to Parliamentary scrutiny (and therefore open to possible small delays), the Regulations that have been formally presented to Parliament have set 30th July as the date that the new system will come into force.
Jo Twist, CEO of Ukie, says: “We welcome the news from government that 30 July is now looking the likely date for the implementation of PEGI as the single age rating system for video games in the UK. To prepare for the transition to the new system, we’ve already held PEGI briefing sessions to make sure that the industry is clear about what these changes will mean for them.
“We very much believe that the sole adoption of PEGI will provide clear and consistent direction on age ratings for parents and will be a vital tool in helping them to understand the types of games that their children should be playing.”
Laurie Hall, Director General of the VSC says: “I am delighted that this marathon task of establishing PEGI as the definitive rating system for video games in the UK is approaching a conclusion. The VSC is fully positioned to fulfil its new role and take on the new responsibilities.”
Alongside this new legislation being implemented, a national campaign is being run by Ukie, called Control.Collaborate.Create., in order to raise awareness and educate consumers about PEGI and the benefits of gaming for families. This includes the re-launch of www.askaboutgames.com, a resource for parents and the industry providing further information about video games ratings. It also offers real family stories and suggestions on how video games can be a creative and collaborative experience for all the family.
More details about the impact of the change in legislation for the industry can also be found at www.videostandards.org.uk
- ENDS -
About Ukie
The Association for United Kingdom Interactive Entertainment or Ukie (pronounced YOU-KEY) is a trade body that represents the whole of the UK’s video games and wider interactive entertainment industry. Founded in 1989 (and formerly known as ELSPA), Ukie’s membership includes games publishers, developers and the academic institutions that support the industry.
Ukie works with government to champion a range of issues including age ratings, education and skills, tax incentives and protecting intellectual property rights. It also works with the media to ensure true and accurate representation of the sector by raising awareness of the industry’s positive economic contribution and the societal benefits of gaming to policy makers, regulators and consumers.
One of Ukie’s key roles is to support its members by providing them with key market information, promoting careers and offering the business support services, training and best-practice knowledge to enable them to operate most effectively.
In addition, Ukie compiles weekly, monthly and annual retail charts and sales reports for the UK market.
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