Pan European Game Information - PEGI
PEGI (Pan European Game Information) is the european age-rating system for videogames.
It was established to help European parents make informed decisions on buying computer games. It was launched in spring 2003 and replaced a number of national age rating systems with a single system now used throughout most of Europe, in 30 countries. The system is supported by the major console manufacturers, including Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo, as well as by publishers and developers of interactive games throughout Europe. The age rating system was developed by the Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE) which is based in Brussels.
The PEGI labels appear on front and back of the packaging indicating one of the following age levels: 3, 7, 12, 16 and 18. They provide a reliable indication of the suitability of the game content in terms of protection of minors. The age rating does not take into account the difficulty level or skills required to play a game. There are also eight content descriptors: violence, bad language, fear, drugs, sexual, discrimination, gambling and online gameplay with other people.
PEGI Online is an addition to the PEGI system. Its purpose is to give young people in Europe better protection against unsuitable gaming content and to help parents understand the risks and potential for harm within this environment. 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). These requirements include the obligation to keep the website free from illegal and offensive content created by users and any undesirable links, as well as measures for the protection of young people and their privacy when engaging in online gameplay.
Links to our websites:
www.pegi.info
www.pegionline.eu
PEGI is very enthusiastic to support the Safer Internet Day this year again, which will be celebrated in more than 70 countries across the world the 7th February 2012.
Children are the biggest consumers of games. These new forms of media consumption provide new opportunities, but can also be a means for spreading content that might be unsuitable for minors. PEGI was, therefore, designed to provide parents with appropriate information and advice on game content from an independent source. It is now used in more than 30 countries and targets millions of people from different cultures and different languages.
Consequently, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to spreading the word about PEGI. In cooperation with our national trade associations we run many different communication campaigns throughout Europe, ranging from parents workshops and football tournament sponsorships to the broadcast of a PEGI video clip on national television and an animated clip campaign for Dutch retail stores (all clips can be viewed below). Check our NEW age rating process video which explains the different steps to get a PEGI rating.
PEGI Safer Internet Day Supporter 
