New PEGI Laws Introduced Today

To try and combat the problem of Underage purchases, a nice new rating system has been introduced into the UK today. The rating system, which was only ’18′ and ’15′ rated games can now add a ’12′ rating to the collection. Which means it is now illegal to sell the 12 rated games to anyone under that age. Also, games will now be classified by just a single PEGI rating, which does spell the end for the BBFC ratings that are on the front of game cases.

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey:

“The UK has one of the most dynamic and innovative video games industries in the world, and the games they produce not only entertain millions, but can also educate and foster creativity. Today’s simplification of the ratings system benefits both industry and consumers and will help ensure that the millions of games sold in the UK each year are being played by the audiences they were intended for.”

I can understand why they are doing this, but in all fairness, I don’t think it will work. The amount of ‘underage’ children we hear about playing the Call of Duty titles is untrue. And they are rated much higher than just a ’12′. What’s the main problem in ‘underage gaming’ (Think I will call it that) is the parents, most of the time they don’t really know what they are buying for their kid, or they just don’t really care.

But I want to hear your views on this new rating? Pointless adding it or much needed? Let me know in the comments!