BIOS: Technology Means Business

ELSPA, the Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association, has launched a new Web site to help parents understand the age ratings system for computer and video games. ELSPA compiles the weekly games chart and is the industry body for UK gaming. The organisation also admits that it is concerned by a negative perception of gaming.

What many people may not realise is that games are not just played by children. Gaming is now a mainstream activity, just like music and films, and games are played by people of all ages. It’s likely that either you, a member of your family, some of your friends, or your work colleagues play computer games regularly. That is why every game published in the UK now has an age rating clearly displayed on the packaging.

If you have a question about age ratings, want to find out more about how to avoid counterfeit products, are interested in learning more about games or want to find out about career opportunities in the industry, then AskAboutGames should help.

The Web site explains both the voluntary European PEGI system and the mandatory BBFC system (the same used for cinema and DVDs in the UK) for more mature rated games. It has been created following research that highlighted the fact that parents in particular were confused about the system and how it applies to games.

The site has already received considerable media attention, including national television coverage. As well as explaining about ratings it also includes a basic glossary of video games terms, information about prominent genres and other miscellaneous industry information. Advice is also given about piracy and various health issues including epileptic fits brought on by games playing and addiction.

British government Media Minister, James Purnell, said: ‘It’s a criminal offence to sell or rent an 18 rated game to a child. To back this up, our penalties are among the toughest in Europe. But too often parents unwittingly allow their children to play unsuitable games. I am pleased that the industry is taking further steps to educate parents about video game content. It’s particularly important at this time of year. I’d like to remind parents to look carefully at the games they are putting in their children’s stockings this Christmas.’

‘We believe that through the Web site parents will see that the games industry is as well regulated as all other entertainment mediums,’ said director general of ELSPA, Roger Bennett. ‘Armed with the facts on game ratings, parents will be able to buy games for their children for Christmas and throughout the year with the assurance that their children are not being exposed to content unsuitable for their age.’