PEGI - Definition and Overview

Pan-European Game Information (or PEGI) is a European system for rating the content of video games, and other entertainment software. It came into use in Spring 2003

Participation is voluntary, at the discretion of the developer.

To obtain the ratings for any piece of software, the developer completes a questionnaire, which is then evaluated and ratings are given.

There are 2 parts to the classification for any piece of software - a sugested minimum age, and also up to six descriptions of content, such as the use of strong language, violence, etc.

List of age ratings

• 3+
• 7+
• 12+
• 16+
• 18+

There may be small regional variations on the age ratings, in case the local legislation conflicts with the ratings. For example, instead of 12+ and 16+, Finland has 11+ and 15+ ratings.

List of content descriptions

• Violence
• Sex/nudity
• Discrimination
• Drugs
• Fear
• Language (Bad and/or sexual)

Examples of content descriptions

• Violence - First Person Shooter games
• Sex/nudity - Yet to be observed
• Discrimination - Yet to be observed
• Drugs - Yet to be observed
• Fear - Survival horror games
• Language - Grand Theft Auto series

List of areas where PEGI is used

• Austria
• Belgium
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Greece
• Ireland
• Italy
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• UK (PLEASE NOTE: If a game contains certain material, it must instead, be rated by BBFC)

External links

• PEGI Official site (http://www.pegi.info)