Publishers praise government
In a rare display of support for a government initiative, a number of UK games publishers have already come forward with comments praising the decision to back PEGI over the BBFC.
"The Government has made the right decision. The PEGI age rating system is right for the protection of children as it is designed specifically for games and interactive content," said David Yarnton, UK General Manager, Nintendo. "As a global company we welcome the decision as mature and intelligent as it works across some 30 international territories."
"The adoption of PEGI as the rating system for games is a good decision," adds Rob Cooper, Managing Director, Ubisoft UK. "The PEGI system is future-proof, delivering effective child protection now and in the future. PEGI Online is a key component of the system, ensuring that the government does not have to re-assess the entire system once again in 12 months time."
Mike Hayes, President and CEO, Sega Europe, claims that the decision is important for the UK public because, in his opinion, "PEGI is the only system that has the power to prevent games publishers distributing unsuitable content to children."
Keith Ramsdale, Vice President and General Manager, EA UK, Ireland and Nordics, also welcomes the government's decision, claiming "PEGI is the right choice to protect children from inappropriate gaming content, and best suited to continue to do so in the future as interactive entertainment moves increasingly online" adding that EA "applauds this collaboration between government and industry to find the best solution for consumers and for the UK marketplace."
Finally, Neil Thompson, Senior Regional Director UK & Ireland Entertainment & Devices Division for Microsoft, says, "the most important issue to be considered is that of child safety.. in a globalised market where children can play video games online across borders, this decision will provide clarity and consistency in deciding what games are appropriate for children and in enforcing those decisions – now and in the future".
