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ELSPA: Legal loophole won't delay rollout of PEGI ratings
ELSPA is assuring the UK public that the plan to make the new PEGI ratings legally enforceable won't be affected by the fact that there is currently no law with which to enforce them. ELSPA director general Mike Rawlinson told MCV that the government told the organization "that the timetable for the introduction of PEGI as the legal system of video games classification will not be adversely affected by this error." ELSPA expects legislation to be passed in the general election following the Queen' speech this November, in order to fix the loophole that renders the Video Recordings Act unenforceable. In the meantime, "ELSPA will therefore advise our members to continue to forward games to be rated as per the current agreement while the legal issues are being resolved." Until then, nothing keeps retailers from selling anything to kids but common sense.
Legal blunder leaves UK game ratings unenforceable
A recently discovered error means that the 1984 Video Recordings Act, which regulates the classification and sale of videos, never actually passed into law in the UK. The Times, which shrilly claims in its headline that children are now "unprotected," reports that "Officials in the Home Office had failed to notify the European Commission of the existence of the Act as they were required to do so under an EU directive." Of specific interest to gamers: the law regulates the classification and sale of video games as well. It is this law that would give the PEGI rating system its legal backing. That means that, right now, the UK ratings system has as much legal force as the ESRB ratings system -- no legal force. ELSPA says that publishers should continue rating games as normal for now. If we see a spike in GTA sales next week, we're going to call your parents.
Publishers face big fines for lying to PEGI
The UK-based Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) is trying to show that the PEGI system -- which it supported in the great BBFC ousting of '09 -- is by no means weaker than the BBFC ratings that used to be oversee the region. Speaking with MCV, the group took the opportunity to warn publishers: "Abuse [the] new system and risk your future." Publishers may face fines of €500,000 ($696K) if they lie on the questionnaire, which allows PEGI and the Video Standards Council to determine an appropriate rating for their games.ELSPA's statement and teeth bearing are to ease concerns that PEGI won't be strong enough for the UK when it's implemented this holiday. ELSPA is essentially using a "see, we told them to play nice" tactic to save face, just in case the rating system it supported has an incident.
PEGI gets more official in UK, will be legal 'by Christmas'
Like a butterfly, moments before emerging from its cocoon, the European game rating system PEGI is now only months from becoming the UK game rating standard. Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz, PEGI chairman Andy Payne (no relation to Max, as far as we know) said that the fawncy new rating logos should be on packaging by the end of year holiday sales season.Due to government recess from mid-July to October 12, the Video Standards Council -- the folks in charge of PEGI in the UK -- can't be handed the reins of UK game classification just yet. "In terms of making it absolutely law ... that won't happen until the autumn at the earliest, and there's a whole load of things that have got to happen before that," Payne said. He does, however, expect the process to go through "before Christmas," so those of you chompin' at the bit to get your eyes on some new game classification stickers will just have to hope St. Nick's feeling generous.
PEGI rating symbols get a splash of color
Now that the Pan-European Game Information rating system is the official standard for UK game ratings, a new set of icons has been unveiled. The new symbols will go on both the front and back of game boxes, and feature a recommended age for the game, as well as a traffic-light-style color code similar to the one in ELSPA's proposed rating system from last year. An "OK" rating will be used for online casual games, according to Edge.The eight content descriptor symbols, already in use by PEGI, will be placed on the back of game boxes, to help parents determine the nature of the content responsible for the game's rating. Even if the "fear" symbol is an example of "discrimination" against spiders.
PEGI becomes UK standard for ratings, other organization gains power to ban games
The UK government announced today that the PEGI system will become the sole classification standard for video games in the region. However, it's not that simple. The government also gave the power to ban games to the Video Standards Council, another independent system that has been around since 1989, who will apparently determine if games coming into the UK comply with PEGI ratings before giving it license to sell. The whole situation sounds even more confusing than the BBFC vs. PEGI issues that we've been reporting on for years. Speaking of the BBFC, the organization will no longer be involved in the classification of games, which is sad -- the group did give us some uncomfortable laughs over the years. We're still not exactly clear on how the UK's new rating system works, but according to Baroness Shepherd, president of the VSC, the group will exercise its "new power independently of the PEGI system, providing a 'fail-safe' for the UK - protecting children through PEGI and addressing UK-specific sensibilities by refusing classification of any game which falls foul of the Video Recordings Act. This decision is the right one for consumers in the UK." We'll see.Source -- PEGI becomes UK standard for game ratingsSource -- VSC given power to ban videogamesSource -- VSC given tough powers for non-compliance of PEGI system
Original Call of Duty rated for PSN, Xbox Live
Even without all of the perks, ranks, prestige ranks and zombified Nazis, the original Call of Duty still holds up as one of the most compelling shooters we've ever played. Activision is apparently hoping that the gaming community still holds a special place in their collective hearts for the best-selling 2003 title -- according to a PEGI (a European game ratings board) rating, the original Call of Duty is on its way to PSN and Xbox Live. Oh, and also, it apparently contains blood and violence.Somewhat confirming that the PEGI rating wasn't just a cruel joke being played by sinister European masterminds, the ESRB has updated its rating for the PC version of Call of Duty to include Xbox 360 and PS3 tags. We've contacted Activision for further details -- we'll let you know whether you'll be busting out those old beach-stormin' shoes sometime soon. [Thanks, Squeedom!]
UK survey: 74% want independent ratings body
A recent survey conducted by YouGov for the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) revealed that most UK citizens want an independent body to issue game ratings. GI.biz reports that a majority of those surveyed also said that they would prefer to see games use the same rating standard as movies. The BBFC hopes to use this survey as leverage in its bid to become the UK's primary game ratings body. Currently, the BBFC only rates games with a certain level of mature content, though that may change thanks to last year's Byron Review.The BBFC competes with Europe's PEGI ratings, which already appear on UK game releases. The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) argues that the PEGI system is superior to the BBFC. Said ELSPA director general Mike Rawlinson, "Gamers no longer just play with their mates but play online, and we need a system that reflects this situation and protects their interests," adding that the PEGI system is the "right solution for child safety." Rawlinson further states that ELSPA will be promoting the PEGI system with a "multi million pound campaign" designed to get the word out to UK parents. Finally, he says that ELSPA has conducted its own research with YouGov that supports its argument.The irony of all this, of course, is that this fight is being waged to make ratings less confusing.
Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings rated for handhelds
A new Indiana Jones game was discovered on PEGI by the keen eyes at Siliconera (as usual). Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings is rated for release on PSP and DS ... and those two platforms alone. Could this be that super-secret Indiana Jones game they don't want us to know about? Of course, rumors of internal problems at LucasArts have cast doubt on the next-generation Indiana Jones game ... which vanished, missing E3 altogether. Perhaps the next-gen versions were scrapped for handheld games? A rating isn't much to go by -- but hopefully, it won't be long until we unravel this mystery.
New Indiana Jones game headed to the DS
We're used to seeing the ESRB spill the beans on upcoming games, but this time, that isn't the case. Instead, PEGI, the European rating system, informs us of Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings, a new Lucasarts game for the DS and PSP. Sadly, that's all we know, but seeing as how we all love Indiana so much (excluding his latest movie), it's enough for us to get excited.
New Indiana Jones game rated for DS, PSP
To put it mildly, it's going to be quite a while before you see an Indiana Jones game on home consoles. The team (if there still is a team) has gone dark and LucasArts has had some troubles as of late. To put it less kindly, if we see it before the next decade our faces will melt off Raiders-style.But that doesn't mean you'll be completely without video game Indy. Apparently, the PEGI has just rated Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings for the DS and PSP. A perfect way to kill the time until a console release? Or just a painful reminder of Indy's absence? Here's hoping for the former.
Puzzle Quest discovered on PEGI website
The keen eyes at Siliconera have done it yet again! They've spotted Puzzle Quest for the PSN. Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords - Revenge of the Plague Lord is a downloadable PSN game with online play, according to the ratings service. Considering Puzzle Quest successfully launched on pretty every console imaginable, we don't doubt that D3 is looking to expand their fanbase and sell more copies of their addictive puzzle-RPG hybrid.We've embedded footage of the XBLA version for your reference.
The BBFC seeks to classify online interaction
On Thursday, British government officials are proposing many of the regulations asked for in the Byron Review, which will also expand the roll of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). Much of this is old ground, as sniping has gone on back and forth for months between BBFC and PEGI supporters about which system is better.The part we're a little stuck on is where the Telegraph reports the new proposals seek to classify online interaction. The standards will be overseen by the new UK Council for Child Internet Safety, to be established later this year, and the online classification seeks to set a "single set of standards and good practice for managing the risks of online gaming." How anybody can look into the abyss of trying to classify online interaction and not see the darkness staring back at them astounds us.[Via GamePolitics]
BBFC defends against recent publisher claims
The British Board of Film Classification's director, David Cooke, defended the organization's cost and efficiency today following recent remarks by publishers. Gamespot reports Cooke claims that the BBFC has an average turnaround of eight days in rating games and that its classifications are already cheaper than the industry-backed PEGI system.Cooke goes on to repeat that the BBFC is fully capable of handling the extra workload required if the Byron Review regulations are implemented. He believes the games industry has nothing to fear from the BBFC's "more robust" and "fully independent" decisions.
EA: Byron regulations may delay games for UK
Electronic Arts' UK general manager, Keith Ramsdale, tells GI.biz that the proposed game rating alterations asked for in the Byron Review will delay game releases in the country. Ramsdale believes the changes are an "unnecessary layer of administration" to the process. The main change requested in the Byron Review is that any game above a 12+ certification would need to be reviewed by the BBFC; currently the organization only takes on games flagged to have sex, violence or criminal activity. Ramsdale asks that the government poll consumers on the matter. Meanwhile, publishers continue to back the continent-covering PEGI system. As it has stated before, the BBFC is financially compensated by publishers for its work, and so doesn't expect to encounter problems when hiring more staff to keep up with a greater influx of games. So, not only will the group hire more people to keep up with the work load, but the new rules would also be a cash boom for the organization.
BBFC defends against PEGI supporters
The British Board of Film Classification is playing defense after accusations it won't be able to keep up with the tide of video games in the future. The BBFC's reaction came after a hearing where industry figures argued the self-regulated PEGI ratings were the best system.Sue Clark, a representative for the BBFC, told GI.biz that the BBFC can cope with the work load and that the organization is entirely funded by the fees it charges to classify work. Therefore, the more work it needs to review, the more money comes in, and the more staff it can hire. She says the games industry doesn't know how the BBFC works, so they shouldn't talk. Whatever, let the BBFC stay, that way we get early warning about "implied child rape" and interstellar lesbianism in games.
Forget parents, EU tells industry to protect children
The European Union's executive body is giving the industry two years to come up with an industry code of conduct to protect children from violent images. Reuters reports the EU executive has the power to propose legislation and impose restrictions on violent games, but is giving the industry a couple years to self regulate before it threatens to step in.EU Consumer Protection Commissioner Meglena Kuneva wins the quote-of-the-day award for saying, "When children go out to play today they enter the world of joysticks. We are not quite sure where they go and there is real anxiety from parents." Here's an idea: Talk to your children and ask ... or better yet, try some of the games yourself! For the EU commission to get off the industry's back it would like to see the Pan European Games Information (PEGI) symbols become familiar to the public. The clock is ticking, Europe.
ELSPA comments on UK's Byron Review
After the Daily Mail's startlingly incompetent take on Dr. Tanya Byron's recently published review of games and internet media in the UK, we're more than happy to see less dubious discourse emanating from the Entertainment and Leisure Publishers Association. Speaking to MCV, ELSPA director general Paul Jackson cited several concerns with the report, chief among them being its recommendation of two, potentially confusing ratings systems."The way the proposals currently stand, there will be a BBFC standard on packaged goods – the number of which will presumably get smaller as gaming goes more online – and there will be the PEGI standard online when you're downloading," said Jackson. "We think it will be clearer if there was one standard." Jackson suggested that the report needed to be more "future-proof" and more considerate of the growing number of games being sold online. "It's incredibly important that we protect children and to do that we need to future-proof this process, but it's not quite there yet."Also not quite there yet is the director general's belief that the industry alone should foot the bill for a consumer ratings education campaign. "I want to make it completely clear that a public marketing programme has been key all along in the educational process," he said. "We'll be talking to the Government about who pays for what. We're very keen to play our part, but all of the stakeholders needs to step up to the plate."
Dr. Tanya Byron explains her report findings, stance on games
Following her report (which follows all of the Manhunt 2 ruckus), UK psychologist Dr. Tanya Byron sat down to discuss some things with Next-Gen. While we don't know much about her, what with us living across the pond and all, she does come off as kind of grounded and level-headed about all of this.It seems that she's very much for adult content in games, just that the adult content in question should only be accessible by, you know, adults. "There's a huge moral debate around content in videogames," she says, "I'm very clear, that wasn't the remit of my review to pass judgment on that and I do believe that content for adults is content for adults. It should be rated that way."She goes on further to add: "I can understand that gamers fear that there will be a 'you can't play these games anymore.' I've not said that, I'd never say that, and certainly if I heard people beginning to use my review to try and imply that I will be very quick to say that that was not and will not be a recommendation of mine."While we're not resident of the UK, we're incredibly interested in where this is all going. Ratings improvements can be made worldwide, we're sure, and we'd like to see a world where it doesn't take an incredibly-long time to release a game because a bunch of uninformed people are too busy arguing about how it's going to train your kid to kill.
Introducing Wii racer Emergency Heroes, from Ubisoft Barcelona
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Introducing_Ubisoft_Barcelona_s_Emergency_Heroes_for_Wii'; The above trailer comes from Ubisoft Barcelona's Emergency Heroes, a free-roaming racing game for Wii. As you can see, it's all in German (someone get Colonel Klink on the phone, we need a translation!) and features an expansive city that we hope we'll get to race around on, as well as a look at some of the game's vehicles and characters. So far, it appears the game is only releasing to Europe, based on the PEGI rating and all, but we're betting it'll see a worldwide release eventually. Be sure to hit up the gallery below for some in-game screens. Emergency Heroes is currently set for a June release.%Gallery-19279%[Via NeoGAF]
