PEGI ratings go official on July 30th

July 30th is the day that the full-blooded new PEGI age ratings system for video games will go live in the UK.

Games released in the UK are currently rated by both PEGI and, if they contain mature content, the BBFC. PEGI will assume sole control from the end of the month.

Furthermore, PEGI ratings will also become legally enforceable for the first time, meaning retailers will be forced to observe the age restrictions when selling to minors, or else face prosecution.

We welcome the news from government that July 30th is now looking the likely date for the implementation of PEGI as the single age rating system for video games in the UK,” UKIE CEO Jo Twist stated.

To prepare for the transition to the new system, we’ve already held PEGI briefing sessions to make sure that the industry is clear about what these changes will mean for them.

We very much believe that the sole adoption of PEGI will provide clear and consistent direction on age ratings for parents and will be a vital tool in helping them to understand the types of games that their children should be playing.”

UKIE adds that the process is still technically still subject to Parliamentary scrutiny and therefore open to possible small delays”.