Video game ratings

A fair few video game regulations have been created; one of the most obvious ones is the age restriction regulation which splits the video game into age ratings: 3+, which is for young children, 7+, for older children, 12+, for young teenagers, 16+, for older teenagers, 18+, for adults.

The age regulations stated are set by Pan European game information (PEGI), which is the most prominent age regulatory system, but there is another system called the British board of film classification (BBFC), which is similar except U (underage) and  PG (parental guidance) is used instead of 3+ and 7+, 16+ is cut to 15.

These regulations were set after a few particular games were released: “Mortal kombat”, which contained graphic violence, “Night trap”, which contained sexual references and “Doom”, because of the prolific use of guns and demons.

But, the above regulations don’t always work. For one thing, some parents may flout the law and buy a game of rating 16+ for their 12 year old son/daughter. And it’s hard to stop them. Also some restrictions in America have had to content with the Freedom of speech amendment, which also covers freedom of expression.  Some game companies use the former to sell controversial games that otherwise would be banded, but if so these often have to abide by the regulatory systems anyway.

The Grand theft auto logo.

Grand theft auto has come under attack for many reasons. It’s an adult game, in my opinion, as it contains not only guns and violence but racism, some sexual references, and views of some of the more seedy aspects of the criminal underworld as we know it. It has also been connected to some young offenders, murder in one case, and is in the Guineas world book of records as one of the most controversial games in history. Who’s to say that this could not get into the hands of young children, and what would be the effect? This is the main aim of the regulatory system that games like this stay only in the hands of those old enough to understand and not be corrupted by it.

A current survey has shown that only 2% of games have an 18+ rating, and that they must introduce “cigarette style labels” to games with violence (this possibly means on games of 16+) in order to make parents aware of what they may be giving their child, as some kids know what is in the game but don’t want their parents to know, or just think it’s cool and want it because it popular, mature content or not. This could reduce the risk of exposure to harmful media to young children.

This is a link to the site I found this information on: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article3628894.ece

This webpage also covers the internet, and educating parents in these things to make them aware. This could work, as trying to stop children from accessing games is hard, but parents are the only barrier to them, reinforcing it would help greatly.

The age ratings aren’t all good, though, in some cases they can restrict access even to those who are allowed according to the ratings. In a German retailer called Kaufhof all games of 18+ rating are banned completely, they won’t sell them at all, which some would argue isn’t fair.

In any case, it will be a long time before game regulations are secure and reasonable. Education and reinforcing it are steps to a safer and more morally sound games industry.