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Pan-European Game Information
Formation9 April 2003; 21 years ago (2003-04-09)
PurposeClassification of video games
Location
Region served
Most European countries (excluding Germany and Russia), Israel
Parent organization
Interactive Software Federation of Europe
Websitepegi.info

PEGI (/ˈpɛɡi/ PEG-ee), short for Pan-European Game Information,[1] is a European video game content rating system established to help European consumers make informed decisions when buying video games or apps through the use of age recommendations and content descriptors. It was developed by the Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE) and came into use in April 2003, replacing many national age rating systems with a single European system. The PEGI system is now used in 41 countries and is based on a code of conduct, a set of rules to which every publisher using the PEGI system is contractually committed. PEGI self-regulation is composed by five age categories and nine content descriptors that advise the suitability of a game for a certain age range based on the game's content. The age rating is not intended to indicate the difficulty of the game or the skill required to play it.[2]

Age ratings

PEGI has five age categories.

Rating Description
The content of games with a PEGI 3 rating is considered suitable for all age groups. The game should not contain any sounds or pictures that are likely to frighten young children. A very mild form of violence (in a comical context or a childlike setting) is acceptable. No bad language should be heard.[3]
Game content with scenes or sounds that can possibly be frightening to younger children should fall in this category. Very mild forms of violence (implied, non-detailed, or non-realistic violence) are acceptable for a game with a PEGI 7 rating.[3]
Video games that show violence of a slightly more graphic nature towards fantasy characters or non-realistic violence towards human-like characters would fall in this age category. Sexual innuendo or sexual posturing can be present, while any bad language in this category must be mild.[3]
This rating is applied once the depiction of violence (or sexual activity) reaches a stage that looks the same as would be expected in real life. The use of bad language in games with a PEGI 16 rating can be more extreme, while the use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs can also be present.[3]
The 18 rating, which indicates content suitable only for adults, is applied when the level of violence reaches a stage where it becomes a depiction of gross violence, apparently motiveless killing, or violence towards defenceless characters. The glamorisation of the use of illegal drugs, explicit sexual activity, and gambling should also fall into this age category.[3]
In addition to age ratings, there is a special rating represented by an exclamation point labeled "Parental Guidance Recommended". These contents are available for all ages, but it is recommended that parents (mostly with children who are under the age of 18) supervise activities within the program.

Content descriptions

In addition to the above ratings, PEGI also uses eight content descriptors:

Current

Icon Content descriptor Active since Explanation Corresponding age ratings
Bad Language 2003 The game contains bad language. This descriptor can be found on games with a PEGI 12 (mild swearing), PEGI 16 (e.g. sexual expletives or blasphemy) or PEGI 18 rating (e.g. sexual expletives or blasphemy). PEGI 12 PEGI 16 PEGI 18
Discrimination 2003 The game contains depictions of ethnic, religious, nationalistic or other stereotypes deemed likely to encourage hatred. This content is always restricted to a PEGI 18 rating (and may infringe national criminal laws). As of 2024, only five games have this descriptor.[4] PEGI 18
Drugs 2003 The game refers to or depicts the use of illegal drugs, narcotics, alcohol or tobacco. Games with this content descriptor are rated either PEGI 16 or PEGI 18. PEGI 16 PEGI 18
Fear/Horror 2003 The Fear descriptor may appear on games with a PEGI 7 if they contain pictures or sounds that may be frightening or scary to young children. The Horror descriptor may appear on PEGI 12 or PEGI 16 games with horror sound effects or images, but not necessarily any violent content. Although PEGI's official website states that only games rated PEGI 7 may carry the Fear descriptor as of 2024,[3] some games previously rated PEGI 12[5] or PEGI 16[6] were given the Fear descriptor instead of Horror. Fear: PEGI 7
Horror: PEGI 12 PEGI 16
Gambling 2003 The game contains elements that encourage or teach gambling. These simulations of gambling refer to games of chance that are normally carried out in casinos or gambling halls. Games with this sort of content could previously be classified at PEGI 12 or PEGI 16.[7] As of 2020, all new games with such content, whether or not real-life currency is directly involved, are rated PEGI 18, although older games retain their existing classifications.[3] PEGI 18
Former: PEGI 12 PEGI 16
Sex 2003 This content descriptor can accompany a PEGI 12 rating if the game includes sexual posturing or innuendo, a PEGI 16 rating if there is erotic nudity or sexual intercourse without visible genitals, or a PEGI 18 rating if there is explicit sexual activity in the game. Depictions of nudity in a non-sexual context do not require a specific age rating, and this descriptor would not be necessary. PEGI 12 PEGI 16 PEGI 18
Violence 2003 The game contains depictions of violence. In games rated PEGI 7 this can only be non-realistic or non-detailed violence. Games rated PEGI 12 can include violence in a fantasy environment or non-realistic violence towards human-like characters, whereas games rated PEGI 16 or 18 have increasingly more realistic-looking violence. PEGI 7 PEGI 12 PEGI 16 PEGI 18
In-Game Purchases 2018[8] The game presents players with the options to purchase digital goods or services with real-world currency. These purchases include but are not limited to bonus levels, skins, surprise items, music, virtual coins and other forms of in-game currency, subscriptions, season passes and upgrades (e.g. to disable ads).[9] This descriptor may be accompanied by an additional notice that the game includes random items such as loot boxes.[3] PEGI 3 PEGI 7 PEGI 12 PEGI 16 PEGI 18

Former

Icon Content descriptor Years active Explanation Corresponding age ratings
PEGI Online Online 2003–2015 May contain online interactions. This descriptor was discontinued by PEGI in 2015, due to the majority of present-day games and all consoles allowing for online interactions. Still appears for games classified before July 2015. PEGI 3 PEGI 7 PEGI 12 PEGI 16 PEGI 18

In Portugal, the PEGI 3 & 7 categories were originally aligned with the age ratings of the film classification system - 4 & 6, respectively - to avoid confusion.[10] Finland also used a modified scale, where 12 became 11 and 16 became 15.[11] Finland fully adopted PEGI on 1 January 2007, and the standard ratings were fully enforced as well.[12] Portugal fully adopted PEGI on 14 January 2021, and the standard ratings were also fully enforced.[13]

Rating process

To obtain the ratings for any piece of interactive software, the applicant submits the game with other supporting materials and completes a content declaration,[14] all of which is evaluated by an independent administrator called the Netherlands Institute for the Classification of Audiovisual Media (NICAM). It is based on the Dutch Kijkwijzer system as well.[15] Following the evaluation the applicant will receive a license to use the rating logos. If the applicant disagrees with the rating, they can ask for an explanation or make a complaint to the complaints board. Consumers may also make complaints to this board.

Although PEGI was established by an industry body (ISFE) the ratings are given by a body independent of the industry and the whole system is overseen by a number of different Boards and Committees. There is the PEGI Council, composed mainly by national representatives for PEGI, that recommends adjustments to the code in light of social, legal and technological developments. Members of the PEGI Council are recruited for their skill and experience from among parent/consumer body representatives, child psychologists, media specialists, civil servants, academics and legal advisers versed in the protection of minors in Europe.[16]

There is also a Complaints Board with experts from various European countries. They deal with complaints related to breaches of requirements of the code of conduct or to age rating recommendations. Should a complaint be received from a consumer or publisher regarding a rating given to a game and no satisfactory settlement can be reached by the PEGI administrator through discussion, explanation or negotiation the complainant may formally request the Complaints Board to mediate. Three board members will then convene, hear the complaint and decide on a ruling. Publishers using the PEGI system are bound by the decision of the Complaints Board. Consequently, they are obliged to carry out any corrective actions required and, in cases of non-compliance, are subject to sanctions as laid out by the code.

Global cooperation in IARC

In 2013, PEGI co-founded the International Age Rating Coalition with USK and the ESRB. IARC aims to streamline the rating of digitally distributed games and apps by providing a single online system that produces age ratings for all participating regions. By filling out one questionnaire, a publisher instantaneously receives ratings from PEGI, USK, ESRB, ACB and others.[17][18]

PEGI Online

In 2007, the PEGI Online division of PEGI was formed as an addition to the PEGI system for online games. Goals include giving young people in Europe improved protection against unsuitable online gaming content and educating parents on how to ensure safe online play.[19] This project is supported directly by the European Commission:

PEGI On-line, which was launched in June 2007 and co-funded by the Safer Internet Programme, is the logical development of the PEGI system, designed to better protect young people against unsuitable gaming content and to help parents to understand the risks and potential for harm within this environment.[20]

PEGI Online is based on four principles:

The licence to display the PEGI Online Logo is granted by the PEGI Online Administrator to any online gameplay service provider that meets the requirements set out in the PEGI Online Safety Code (POSC).[21]

Usage

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PEGI is the standard age rating system for video games in 40 European countries alongside Israel,[22] but products with PEGI labels can be found across the globe alongside other rating systems as a result of import for linguistic reasons (e.g.: English versions in India, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, Spanish or Portuguese versions in Latin America). The official status of PEGI ratings varies from country to country, depending on the way national legislation deals with age classification and the protection of minors. In some countries, PEGI is the de facto standard without specific regulation, other countries have officially acknowledged PEGI as the sole system for age ratings, while yet another number of countries have incorporated the PEGI rating system into laws governing the age classification of media, making the labels enforceable in retail.

Officially supports PEGI

Country Status Local system
European Union Austria Officially supports PEGI. Although there is no specific legislative basis at the federal level, PEGI is legally adopted and enforceable in the federal state of Vienna.[23] Other states do not prescribe a specific labelling system, with the exception of Salzburg, where USK labels are mandatory. Represented in the PEGI Council.
European Union Belgium Officially supports PEGI, but there is no specific legislative basis.
European Union Bulgaria Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.[citation needed]
European Union Cyprus Officially supports PEGI, but there is no specific legislative basis. Northern Cyprus however does not officially support PEGI, but uses it. Nor does it have a legislative basis, even though it is internationally recognised as part of the Republic of Cyprus, some laws like those do not apply there. PEGI labels are used as most are imported from Turkey and the rest of the EU.[citation needed]
European Union Czech Republic Officially supports PEGI, but there is no specific legislative basis.[citation needed]
European Union Denmark Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.[citation needed]
European Union Estonia Officially supports PEGI, but there is no specific legislative basis.[citation needed]
European Union Finland In Finland, games with PEGI ratings are exempt from mandatory classification with national age symbols. Both classifications are enforced by the penal code. Represented in the PEGI Council.[citation needed] KAVI
European Union France France has adopted legislation making classification of video games with age labels mandatory.[24][25] Represented in the PEGI Council.
European Union Greece Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.[citation needed]
 Iceland PEGI is officially supported and age classifications are mandatory for video games by law.[26]
European Union Ireland PEGI ratings are exempt from mandatory classification by IFCO, which adopts PEGI. IFCO is still legally empowered to ban certain video game content from the market. Represented in the PEGI Council.[citation needed]
 Israel PEGI has been adopted by law as the mandatory classification system for video games in Israel since 2007.[27]
European Union Italy Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.[citation needed]
European Union Latvia Officially supports PEGI, but there is no specific legislative basis.[citation needed]
European Union Lithuania Lithuanian legislation has adopted PEGI which is exempt from mandatory classification with national age symbols. Both classifications are enforced by the penal code as of November 2010.[28]
European Union Luxembourg Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.[citation needed]
European Union Malta Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, PEGI is the legally enforceable system for game classification in Malta since January 2016.[citation needed]
European Union Netherlands PEGI is officially adopted and legislation is in place to enforce age classification in shops where video games are sold.[29][30]
 Norway Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.[citation needed]
European Union Poland Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.[citation needed]
European Union Portugal PEGI has officially been adopted by the Portuguese Classification Board IGAC.[13] Represented in the PEGI Council. IGAC
European Union Romania Officially supports PEGI, but there is no specific legislative basis.[citation needed]
European Union Slovenia Officially supports PEGI, but there is no specific legislative basis.[citation needed]
European Union Spain Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.[citation needed]
European Union Sweden Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.[citation needed]
European Union United Kingdom Officially supports PEGI (PEGI is the legally enforceable system for game classification in the UK since 30 July 2012[31][32]). Represented in the PEGI Council. BBFC

Other countries

Country Status Local system
 Albania Does not use PEGI labels and does not officially support PEGI. Also, does not have a legislative basis.
 Bosnia and Herzegovina Does not use PEGI labels and does not officially support PEGI. Also, does not have a legislative basis.
European Union Croatia Does not officially support PEGI, but PEGI labels are shown on digital stores and localized physical releases since the 2010s. Also, does not have a legislative basis.
European Union Germany The USK system is adopted and enforced.[33] PEGI is not formally recognised, although PEGI labelling can be found on games along with the USK rating. Not represented on the PEGI Council.[citation needed] USK
European Union Hungary Does not officially support PEGI, but PEGI labels are shown on digital stores and localized physical releases since the 2000s. Also, does not have a legislative basis.
 Kosovo Does not use PEGI labels and does not officially support PEGI. Also, does not have a legislative basis.
 Moldova Does not use PEGI labels and does not officially support PEGI. Also, does not have a legislative basis.
 Montenegro Does not use PEGI labels and does not officially support PEGI. Also, does not have a legislative basis.
 North Macedonia Does not use PEGI labels and does not officially support PEGI. Also, does not have a legislative basis.
 Russia RARS system adopted in 2012. All games, including imported, must have the RARS rating present.[34] PEGI labels were originally used prior to 2012, but were never officially recognised. RARS
 Serbia Uses PEGI labels, but support from governing body is unknown.
European Union Slovakia JSO system adopted. Imported games (mostly with PEGI or USK rating) meant for selling in Slovak stores must have at least sticker with specific JSO rating on plastic foil of game keep-case.[citation needed] JSO
  Switzerland Switzerland is preparing national legislation to make classification of video games with age labels legally binding.[35]
 Turkey Uses PEGI labels in almost all foreign & Turkish published video games inside the country, and so do the publishers, but does not have an official legislative basis regarding PEGI, and is not represented in the PEGI council.[36][37][38]
 Ukraine Does not officially use PEGI labels, but many video games published for sale in the country can be seen labeled with PEGI. Also, does not have a legislative basis regarding it.[39]

Reception

Portrayals of gambling

Games containing minigames resembling casino games and gambling may be subject to heightened ratings due to "12" being the minimum for the "Gambling" descriptor. A 2016 re-release of Pokémon Red and Blue for Nintendo 3DS received a "12" rating (despite receiving the "E" rating from the U.S.-based ESRB) due to its "Game Corner" feature, which includes slot machines that can be played with in-game cash to earn coins redeemable for items. The European release of Pokémon Platinum (2009) was modified to remove the slot machines and replace them with non-interactive "game machines".[40][41] As of 2020, PEGI's policies regarding content that resemble casino games and gambling have gotten stricter, with new games featuring the "Simulated Gambling" content descriptor automatically receiving an "18" rating from that point forward.[42]

In 2019, the basketball video game NBA 2K20 received criticism for a trailer, focused on its "MyTeam" mode, which depicted chance-based minigames styled after casino games such as roulette, slots and pachinko. The visuals were considered to be sensitive due to increasing controversy over use of "loot box" mechanics in video games.[43] After receiving an e-mail expressing concern over the trailer, PEGI clarified in response that the "Gambling" descriptor applies only to games that "teach" and "encourage" gambling, although admitting that the trailer's imagery may have been "too close for comfort" for some viewers, and that PEGI did not base its ratings decisions on singular trailers.[44][45]

Balatro, a roguelike deck-building game, had its PEGI rating changed from 3+ to 18+ shortly after its February 2024 release due to perceived gambling imagery, and was pulled from some online stores.[46] Playstack, the game's publisher, argued that while the game was based on poker and features poker hands, it does not feature or encourage gambling.[46][47] Balatro was restored to the Nintendo eShop in Europe, Australia and New Zealand on 8 March with the higher 18+ rating.[48] In a Reddit AMA, Balatro developer Localthunk criticised PEGI for re-rating the game after its release, writing "I still believe that the rating is unwarranted, but there is some gray area for interpretation from PEGI and at this point it is what it is. I think the one thing I am most disappointed by is the fact that other games with actual gambling mechanics aren't rated the same way because of their appearance/theme."[49]

See also

References

  1. ^ "The PEGI organisation". pegi.info. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  2. ^ "PEGI Pan European Game Information – What do the labels mean?". Pegi.info. Archived from the original on 7 August 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2011.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h "What do the labels mean?". PEGI. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  4. ^ "Search | Pegi Public Site". pegi.info. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  5. ^ "PEGI 12 games with Fear descriptor". PEGI. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  6. ^ ""ABE VR"". PEGI. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  7. ^ Good, Owen S. (31 August 2019). "PEGI rating board explains why it didn't flag NBA 2K20 as gambling". Polygon. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  8. ^ "PEGI announces new content descriptor: in-game purchases | Pegi Public Site". pegi.info. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  9. ^ "Uk video game boxes will soon warn of in game purchases".
  10. ^ "PEGI – Classificação de videojogos em Portugal".
  11. ^ "Myös videot mukana - Digitoday - Ilta-Sanomat". 7 May 2003. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022.
  12. ^ "New Finnish law recognises PEGI". Archived from the original on 19 February 2007.
  13. ^ a b "Portaria 15/2021". 14 January 2021.
  14. ^ "PEGI Assessment Form" (PDF). Pegi.info. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 December 2011. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  15. ^ NICAM website Archived 21 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  16. ^ "Website PEGI". Pegi.info. Retrieved 29 June 2011.
  17. ^ "Getting Digitally-Distributed Games Classified in Australia to Be Cost-Free - IGN". au.ign.com. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  18. ^ "New International Age Ratings System Launching Worldwide Next Year | Video Game Deals & UK News | Dealspwn.com". dealspwn.com. Archived from the original on 22 March 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  19. ^ "PEGI Online Website". Pegionline.info. Retrieved 29 June 2011.
  20. ^ Communication from the commission of the European parliament, the council, the European economic and social committee and the committee of the regions, on the protection of consumers, in particular minors, in respect of the use of video games, Brussels, 2008, p.3.
  21. ^ "PEGI Online Safety Code". Pegionline.info.
  22. ^ "The PEGI organisation".
  23. ^ "Austrian government page explaining PEGI and its legal status in the regions". 13 November 2018.
  24. ^ "Article explaining plans for legal change in France". 20 May 2015.
  25. ^ "Text of the amendment proposing the change".
  26. ^ "Icelandic Media Act (2006)".
  27. ^ "Article detailing legal requirement to use PEGI in Israel". Library of Congress.
  28. ^ "Legislative text specifying PEGI as the labelling system for video games in Lithuania".
  29. ^ "Penal code text specifying enforcement of sales restriction of certain media content to minors".
  30. ^ Government document outlining the role of PEGI in legal context: "Betere bescherming van jongeren tegen mogelijk schadelijk beeldmateriaal" [Better protection of youth against potentially harmful imagery] (PDF) (in Dutch). Rijksoverheid. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 June 2016.
  31. ^ "MCV: PEGI ratings come into force today". MCV. 15 May 2019.
  32. ^ "BBC News: UK enforces PEGI video game ratings system". BBC News. 30 July 2012.
  33. ^ "Statutes of the USK system" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 October 2012.
  34. ^ "О защите детей от информации, причиняющей вред их здоровью и развитию" [On Protecting Children from Information Harmful to Their Health and Development]. Article No. 11 of 23 December 2010 (in Russian). Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.
  35. ^ "Swiss federal government announcement".
  36. ^ Foreign video games published for sale in Turkey are almost all published under European (And EU) licenses, including Turkish-published video games, and almost all are imported from Europe or the European Union, and thus having the PEGI labels on them though it is not officially supported by law. Those released under European licenses can be Turkish branches of the European publishers,(e.g Under a EU or other European based parent company.) -or just European publishers on their own which have the valid and certified (licensed) European licenses that are published with the sold items in Turkey, thus making it verified & certified. (And in case of warranty, all have it covered by a warranty as well.)The classification was semi-officially brought to Turkey in 2014 with a deal between private-owned TOGED (Game Developers Association of Turkey) and PEGI. Second-hand sold items in shops can have different labels, mostly such as the German USK. PEGI is also used while advertising video-games, and in the commercials.
  37. ^ GoodGamers.biz (6 November 2017). "Turkish gamer youth to be informed by PEGI classification". GoodGamers.biz. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  38. ^ See video games in Turkey for more information.
  39. ^ In some provinces of the country the Russian and Belarusian RARS rating-system is used.
  40. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (31 August 2019). "PEGI responds to complaint about NBA 2K20's age-rating following casino trailer backlash". Eurogamer. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  41. ^ Towell, Justin (9 June 2009). "European Pokemon Platinum's missing Game Corner explained". GamesRadar. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  42. ^ Robertson, Andrew (2 August 2021). "PEGI Rating For Gambling Descriptor Is Now Always 18+". Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  43. ^ Wakeling, Richard. "NBA 2K20 Trailer Is Very Happy To Showcase Its Loot Boxes And Gambling Mechanics". GameSpot.
  44. ^ "PEGI aware that NBA 2K20 gambling imagery may be "too close for comfort"". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  45. ^ Good, Owen S. (31 August 2019). "PEGI rating board explains why it didn't flag NBA 2K20 as gambling". Polygon. Archived from the original on 1 September 2019. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  46. ^ a b Livingston, Christopher (1 March 2024). "Poker-themed deckbuilder Balatro gets delisted from some stores after its PEGI rating absurdly jumps from 3 to 18+ over 'gambling imagery'". PC Gamer. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  47. ^ Wales, Matt (1 March 2024). "Rogue-like poker hit Balatro pulled from sale in some countries due to unexpected ratings change". Eurogamer. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  48. ^ Hagues, Alana (8 March 2024). "Balatro Back On Switch eShop In Europe With New Age Rating". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  49. ^ Lewis, Catherine (15 March 2024). "Balatro dev "disappointed" actual gambling games "aren't rated the same way" after ratings boards grilled the roguelike for gambling mechanics that don't exist". gamesradar. Retrieved 16 March 2024.

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