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The Pan European Game Information system (PEGI for short) is the European equivalent of the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

The PEGI system was introduced in 2003, it's aim was to create a standard age rating system for all European countries, excluding Germany and sometimes the UK. In the UK the PEGI system is used, but in certain circumstances the BBFC system is used instead. In Germany they use the USK system.

PEGI applies to products distributed in the following countries:

Mission statement

Copied from PEGI's site[1].

The PEGI system was developed and based on existing systems in Europe. In the drafting of the PEGI assessment form and the shaping of the system organisation, society representatives such as consumers, parents and religious groups have been largely involved.
PEGI has been designed to meet varying cultural standards and attitudes across the participating countries. Member States and is supported by the majority of relevant Member State Government Agencies and all interactive leisure software trade organisations in Europe.
The PEGI system is a voluntary system in which the ratings are carried out by members of the game industry itself. This takes place by means of a self assessment form. After examining a game, the in-house coder uses an intranet to answer a number of questions, after which the rating of the game will be given automatically. For each content category an age is established, based on the answers on the assessment form.
Ratings proposed by publishers are then checked by NICAM. All 16+ or 18+ ratings are checked before a rating is granted. All 12+ and samples of 3+ and 7+ ratings are checked after a rating has been granted. At the end of the process, products concerned are granted by NICAM, on behalf of ISFE, a license to use a specific logo and possibly descriptors as well.

Game Ratings

Within the scope of Pegi there are 2 types of pictograms that are relevant:

  • Age categories
  • Content types

So in addition to the game ratings by appropriate age, the PEGI system also includes symbols depicting the type of content in the game.

Age Ratings

Certain ratings are different for Portugal and Finland because they think they're to good for the standard ratings (or local legislation conflicts with the standard ratings or something).

3+

This title is rated PEGI: 3+ and is suitable for people ages 3 and older. Instead of using 3+, Portugal uses PEGI: 4+. PEGI: 4+ is suitable for people ages 4 and older.

7+

Titles rated PEGI: 7+ are suitable for ages 7 and older. Instead of using 7+, Portugal uses PEGI: 6+. PEGI: 6+ is suitable for people ages 6 and older.

12+

Titles rated PEGI: 12+ have content that may be suitable for ages 12 and older. Instead of using 12+, Finland uses PEGI: 11+. PEGI: 11+ is suitable for people ages 11 and older.

16+

Titles rated PEGI: 16+ have content that may be suitable for ages 16 and older. Instead of using 16+, Finland uses PEGI: 15+. PEGI: 15+ is suitable for people ages 15 and older.

18+

Titles rated PEGI: 18+ have content that may be suitable for ages 18 and older.

Content Descriptors

Bad Language

Pegi language

Game contains bad language.

Discrimination

Game contains depictions of, or material which may encourage, discrimination.

Drugs

Pegi drugs

Game refers to or depicts the use of drugs.

Fear

Pegi fear

Game may be frightening or scary for young children.

Sex

Pegi sex

Game depicts nudity and/or sexual behaviour or sexual references.

Violence

Pegi violence

Game contains depictions of violence.

External links

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