Video Game PEGI Ratings

What do PEGI age labels on videogames mean?

Understanding what media is appropriate for children can be a bit of a minefield with so many choices out there.

The Entertainer has a broad range of video games aimed at a variety of age groups, with child friendly options across the board. Still, understanding the content of what you’re buying helps you get a better grip on what your children are interacting with.

Fortunately, there is a handy guide system, called PEGI, to help you understand what games are suitable for various age ranges, and why this is the case.

What is PEGI?

The Pan-European Game Information age rating system (PEGI) is designed to help parents understand what’s in videogames so that they can make an informed decision when buying.

Run by an independent, not-for-profit organisation with a social purpose, it was launched in 2003, to help make age ratings more uniform across Europe by replacing local ones in over 35 countries and territories.

Supported by major console manufacturers, including Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft, PEGI labels feature on the boxes and packaging of videogames to let you know exactly what you’re picking up.

What do PEGI Age labels mean?

PEGI will label a videogame with an age rating relating to whether the content is suitable for people in that age group or above. The numbers on the PEGI label should relate to the age group for which the PEGI raters feel the content is appropriate for but, of course, parents should still use their own discretion when making a choice.

These labels are enforceable under UK law, so a retailer cannot sell a PEGI rated game of 12 or higher to anyone below that age.

PEGI !

Although not strictly an age rating, this “Parental Guidance Recommended” label can appear on non-game apps and digitally delivered products to warn that they may offer a broad variety of user generated content or curated content. As such, parents should be aware that this content may not be suitable for their child.

What are PEGI content descriptors?

Beyond the age ratings, you may also notice that game packaging may have content descriptor labels to help clarify exactly what sort of content the game entails. These will categorise exactly what is in the game and why it has received its rating.

For more information on PEGI ratings, you can find a breakdown of their guidance via their website.

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