# **Age Rating Systems for Video Games**

  

Age rating systems help guide consumers (especially parents and guardians) in determining whether a video game is appropriate for a certain age group. These systems rate games based on content such as violence, language, sexual content, gambling, and drug use.

### **1. PEGI (Pan European Game Information)**

**Used in:** Most of Europe, including the UK.

**Introduced:** 2003

**How it works:**
PEGI rates games using age categories:

* **PEGI 3** – Suitable for all ages. (e.g. *Minecraft*, *FIFA*)
* **PEGI 7** – Mild violence possible, generally suitable for young children. (e.g. *Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy*)
* **PEGI 12** – Moderate violence, mild swearing. (e.g. *Fortnite*)
* **PEGI 16** – Stronger violence, sexual activity, alcohol, tobacco. (e.g. *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare*)
* **PEGI 18** – Extreme violence, strong language, drug use, gambling. (e.g. *Grand Theft Auto V*)

PEGI also uses **content descriptors**, such as:

* Violence
* Bad Language
* Fear
* Gambling
* In-Game Purchases
* Sex
* Drugs

> **Interesting fact:** PEGI replaced the BBFC for most games in the UK after 2012.


### **2. ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board)**

**Used in:** United States and Canada

**Introduced:** 1994 (after controversy over violent games like *Mortal Kombat*)

**How it works:**
ESRB uses the following categories:

* **E (Everyone)** – Suitable for all. (e.g. *Animal Crossing*)
* **E10+** – Age 10 and older. (e.g. *LEGO Star Wars*)
* **T (Teen)** – Age 13+. (e.g. *Apex Legends*)
* **M (Mature)** – Age 17+. (e.g. *Elden Ring*)
* **AO (Adults Only)** – 18+, often not sold in stores.

ESRB also provides **content descriptors**, such as:

* Blood
* Violence
* Strong Language
* Use of Alcohol
* Suggestive Themes

> **Interesting fact:** Games rated AO are rarely released on consoles, as most major platforms (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo) refuse to carry them.


### **3. Other Rating Systems**

* **CERO (Japan)** – Computer Entertainment Rating Organization.
* **USK (Germany)** – Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle.
* **ACB (Australia)** – Australian Classification Board.

## **Digital Download Platforms vs Buying Games in a Box**

### **1. Digital Download Platforms**

**Examples:**

* Steam (PC)
* PlayStation Store
* Xbox Live
* Nintendo eShop
* Epic Games Store

**Pros:**

* Instant access—no need to visit a store.
* Often includes automatic updates.
* Cloud storage and linked accounts.
* Regular discounts and sales (e.g. Steam Summer Sale).
* No risk of physical damage or losing the disc.

**Cons:**

* No resale or trade-in options.
* Can require large downloads and lots of storage space.
* Digital rights management (DRM) restrictions may apply.
* No physical collector's edition packaging.

### **2. Boxed Copies (Physical Media)**

**Examples:**

* Game discs for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch cartridges
* Sold in shops or online (e.g. Game, Amazon, Argos)

**Pros:**

* Tangible product—can be collected or resold.
* No reliance on internet connection to install.
* Can be gifted, traded, or shared.
* Some include manuals, posters, or collector’s items.

**Cons:**

* Can be lost or damaged.
* Still may require updates or downloads.
* More environmental impact (packaging, plastic).

> **Fun fact:** Many physical games now come with just a download code and no disc inside—blurring the line between physical and digital.

## **Online Safety in Gaming**

Online gaming can expose players—especially young or vulnerable individuals—to risks. These include harmful content, dangerous interactions, and privacy breaches.

### **1. Online Grooming**

Online grooming is when someone (usually an adult) builds a relationship with a child to exploit or harm them later, often sexually. It can happen through:

* Voice chat
* In-game messaging
* Social media platforms linked to games (e.g. Discord, Twitch)

**Warning signs:** Over-friendly behavior, requests to chat privately, asking for photos, gifts, or personal information.

**Example:** A predator using *Roblox* or *Fortnite* chat to target children.

### **2. Vulnerability**

Vulnerable individuals (including those with disabilities, low confidence, or underage players) may be more easily manipulated, bullied, or scammed.

**Risks include:**

* Cyberbullying
* Scams or phishing
* Pressure to spend money on microtransactions
* Exposure to inappropriate language or content

### **3. Stranger Danger**

Many games allow open lobbies and voice chat, exposing players to strangers. Players might:

* Share personal info (real name, school, location) without realizing the danger
* Be added to friend lists or followed across platforms

**Example:** Being messaged by a “new friend” in *Call of Duty* who later asks to meet offline.

### **4. Safeguarding Measures**

**Parents, schools, and guardians** should be aware of safety measures, including:

* **Parental controls:** Available on all major consoles and platforms.
* **Report/block functions:** Every reputable game includes tools to report abuse or mute players.
* **Private lobbies and friend-only games:** Limiting who can play or communicate with the player.
* **Education:** Teaching children and teens not to share personal info online.

**Organisations that help:**

* **CEOP** (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command)
* **NSPCC** (UK)
* **Internet Matters**
* **Thinkuknow** (Educational resources for online safety)

## Summary Table

| **Topic** | **Key Info** | **Examples** |
| --------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| **PEGI** | EU age rating system | PEGI 3 (*FIFA*), PEGI 18 (*GTA V*) |
| **ESRB** | North American rating | E (*Animal Crossing*), M (*Elden Ring*) |
| **Digital Downloads** | Online platforms, fast access | Steam, PlayStation Store |
| **Boxed Games** | Physical copies, resale value | Game disc for Xbox |
| **Online Grooming** | Predators manipulating children online | Chat on *Roblox* |
| **Vulnerability** | Risks to emotionally or mentally vulnerable players | Pressure to spend money |
| **Stranger Danger** | Contact with strangers in open games | Voice chat in *Fortnite* |
| **Safeguarding** | Tools and education to protect players | Parental controls, CEOP |