The UK government has announced that it will be going with the PEGI ratings system as the standard form of videogame classification in the region.

The PEGI system will be implemented for every game released in the UK. The BBFC, which used to handle games classification, will stick to classifying and rating films and DVDs.

Mike Rawlinson, Director General of the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association, which has been a rather vocal critic of the BBFC' s game rating system, had this to say:

The Government has made absolutely the right decision for child safety. By choosing PEGI as the single classification system in the UK, British children will now get the best possible protection when playing videogames either on a console or on the internet. Parents can be assured that they will have access to clear, uniform ratings on games and an accurate understanding of game content.

Today’s decision will ensure that games ratings stay relevant and adapt to the changing nature of videogames for many years to come. Retailers will now have clear, legal backing to help them prevent access to unsuitable content by children.

We will work closely with the Government, the Video Standards Council and the BBFC to ensure a smooth and rapid transition to this new ratings system.

---

Related articles:

• European parliament gives PEGI system glowing recommendation
• ELSPA to BBFC: get a hint, stick to movies; leave games to PEGI