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Pegi




Participation is voluntary, at the discretion of the Game Developer . To obtain the ratings for any piece of software, the developer completes a questionnaire, which is then evaluated by the Netherlands Institute For The Classification Of Audiovisual Media (NICAM) and ratings are given. It's based on the Dutch Kijkwijzer system as well.

There are two parts to the classification for any piece of software — a suggested minimum age and also up to seven descriptions of content, such as the use of strong language, violence, etc. Most recently added was the Gambling icon.


AGE RATINGS

PEGI has five age categories. In Portugal , local Legislation conflicts with some of the ratings and they are changed accordingly.
Finland changed its legislation to fully adopt PEGI from January 1, 2007

PEGI is a voluntary system, although once in place in is illegal for persons under the age to purchase the game. If publishers of a game choose not to use the PEGI system it will be given a rating by the BBFC or ESRB, on in certain cases given no rating at all. However, it is not illegal for persons under the age to play the game, as it is a system of helping parents of children make informed decisions on buying the game. It is entirely the parent's choice whether to purchase a game for a minor.


CONTENT DESCRIPTIONS

The seven content descriptors are:

The 'Gambling' content descriptor was first used on September 29 , 2006 with the title 42 All-Time Classics .


Examples



WHERE PEGI IS USED


PEGI is used in 29 European nations (albeit with zero legal effect). They are:



COMPARISON AND CRITICISM


PEGI does not have the same conception of violence as the ESRB :
  • '''' is classified 3+ by PEGI, but rated T by ESRB, '' Jak X '' has a 12+ rating for PEGI, but the reasons for the T rating are essentially the same.

  • '''' is classified 12+ by PEGI and A by Japan's rating system, CERO . But the game was rated M by the ESRB.

  • For racing games, such as '''', there is a classification 3+ by PEGI, but it has been issued a T rating by the ESRB.

  • For the FPS '' XIII '' PEGI rated the game 12+, but the ESRB rated the game M. The game was later re-rated a 16+ on re-releases.

  • '' Final Fantasy XII '' is rated 16+ by PEGI, but is rated T by ESRB, the others were rated 12+ or 11+ by PEGI or ELPSA, but the reasons for the T rating in the US are the same

  • '' Final Fantasy IX '' was rated 3+ by PEGI (A by CERO ), but is rated T in the US

  • Most superhero games, like '' Justice League Heroes '', are classified 3+ by PEGI, but are rated T by ESRB

  • '''' is rated M by the ESRB while it is given an adults only 18+ rating by PEGI.


PEGI has also given different ratings than BBFC
  • '' Manhunt 2 '', while being banned by BBFC, could have been sold uncut with a 18+ rating in certain PEGI countries if not for Take-Two 's suspension.

  • '' Family Guy Video Game! '', whilst being rated a 18+ by PEGI, the BBFC rated it a 15+, similar to the dvd boxsets.



SEE ALSO



EXTERNAL LINKS



REFERENCES