But 'cinema-style' ratings will strike balance between entertainment value and 'inherent dangers' of the web
As our sister magazine MCV revealed earlier this week, the UK government is planning to introduce new classifications for all video games.
However ministers are 'anxious to strike a balance between the entertainment, knowledge and pleasure children gain from high profitable internet and computer games, as well as the dangers inherent in the unregulated world of the net and its overuse by children'.
Today The Guardian reports that ministers will back a 'legally enforceable cinema-style classification system' across all games - presumably the BBFC's age rating system - 'in an effort to keep children from playing damaging games unsuitable for their age'.
According to the report, the plans are being formulated by the government as a response to The Byron Review - the survey and study of the games industry by psychologist Tanya Byron - the verdict of which ministers apparently already have 'a sense of'.
The report adds: "Ministers are also expected to advise parents to keep computers and games consoles away from children's bedrooms as much as possible, and ask them to play games in living rooms or kitchens facing outward so carers can see what is being played."
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MCV this week reported on industry insiders' fear that the move will be interpreted as a move against the industry despite Byron's close collaboration with games publishers in the country, asking for thoughts, feedback and research.
This latest report, however, suggests that the government is keen to provide security over content, and its intended audience, for both those in the industry and those outside of it.
The report adds: "Ministers hope the Byron review will act as a way of calming the debate about video games which has become increasingly polarised and based on prejudice."
Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't they a little late to the party? Most games that need classification already go through the BBFC system (Manhunt 2 being a controversial though current example).
I don't see it making any real difference, those parents who allow their children to play games that are rated above their age will continue to do so. Until we can get these people to realise that allowing their 12 year old child to play an 18 rated game is the same as allowing them to watch an 18 rated film very little will change.
As for the comment about the playing of games in communal areas of the house, surely that is just common sense and the same advice as has been spouted about internet usage for years.
Not so much late to the party, really - because over half the games out there relased in the UK, at least, get the optional PEGI ratings. Only the rest get BBFC ratings. With all games having one of those U, PG, 15, etc. greades it brings them in line with DVD and films. I think it's a good thing, it makes things less confusing for adults and parents and puts the responsibility with regards to the sale of content in the right place - i.e. with the retailer and the consumer - and means that the developers can create content for an audience, and be safe that it fits into an overall categoriy system which makes it clear it has an intended audience. This would probably stop things like the Manhunt ban fiasco, as well.
maybe in an ideal world yeh thats what you would like to happen, but i think the fear is that the politicians might use the opportunity to "crackdown" on violent games in order to win points over the other politicians.
what with the controversy over no uk tax breaks for development, the government would be well advised to tread carefully with this, lest they ****** it up like they seem prone to in such situations
