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Traffic lights rating system to be employed by videogame industry

by Steven Williamson on 29 October 2008, 10:00

Tags: ELSPA

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In a move mirroring efforts by food manufacturers and retailers to give consumers a clear and easy way to understand food content, the games industry is close to launching a traffic light system for the ratings on video games. As the government gears up to close its consultation into video games ratings on November 20, the industry has responded to observations made by Dr Tanya Byron in her report that there is a lack of consumer awareness of the PEGI rating symbols.

The industry feels that by employing a traffic light system that is simple to understand it will be effective in combating any confusion previously felt by consumers. The new system has been designed to give parents ‘at a glance’ indicators of the age appropriateness of any game’s content.

An industry source said, “Video gaming is one of the UK’s best performing sectors and a rare economic success in today’s gloomy environment, with retailers announcing record profits and government ministers describing gaming as ‘the most important part of what we call the Creative Industries’. 1

“The world of gaming is fast moving and it is vital that we have a clear ratings system that is up to date with consumers’ needs. It has already been proven that everyone understands traffic light labelling, making it the perfect scheme for the industry to adopt.”



HEXUS Forums :: 12 Comments

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If people do not understand a number which denotes the minimum recommended age for a game, I doubt they will draw much understanding from a traffic light system…….
Well, they might think that GTAIV contains more calories than Peggle ;)
I think that games should be rated in the same way as movies. Easy to understand for parents and it is there in front of you. Even if it is a game like Spongebob, everyone knows it is universally suitable but I still think it should have the U symbol on the cover.

Streamline everything that is media and use the rating system that is already in place.
ermmmmmmmmmm.. my kid is 9…………………………… is he too young to buy this game which has an…………. *counts with fingers to* 18 on the front?

what is so bleeding difficult about knowing if 12/15/18 is suitable?!
matty-hodgson
ermmmmmmmmmm.. my kid is 9…………………………… is he too young to buy this game which has an…………. *counts with fingers to* 18 on the front?

Because 1 + 8 is 9!!!! It has to be suitable for them ;)