PEGI, or the Pan European Game Information, is the standard system for rating video games in Europe. Designed to help consumers make informed decisions, PEGI categorizes games based on their content and appropriateness for different age groups.
Established in 2003, PEGI provides clear and reliable information regarding the age suitability of video games. It helps parents, guardians, and players understand the potential impact of a game on its players. The system labels games with age ratings, ranging from 3 to 18, indicating the minimum recommended age for game participants.
PEGI utilizes a combination of age ratings and content descriptors. Age ratings are designed to reflect the appropriate age group for a game, while content descriptors offer insight into specific elements that may have an impact on players, such as violence, bad language, or gambling themes. This detailed information enables consumers to make choices that suit their preferences and values.
| Age Rating | Description |
|---|---|
| 3 | Suitable for children aged three and over. No offensive content. |
| 7 | Suitable for children aged seven and over. May contain some scary scenes or mild violence. |
| 12 | Suitable for those aged twelve and over. May contain violence or sexual content but presented in a way that is not harmful to younger audiences. |
| 16 | Suitable for players aged sixteen and over. May include more intense violence and sexual content. |
| 18 | Only suitable for adults. May contain graphic violence, strong language, and explicit sexual content. |
PEGI plays a vital role by helping to shield younger audiences from inappropriate content. It empowers parents to select games that match their children's maturity levels while fostering a sense of responsibility among players about their choices, ultimately contributing to a more aware gaming community.