ELSPA versus the BBFC

[beemoh]

The results of the Byron Review- specifically, the recommendation that the BBFC take on a greater role in videogame regulation- caused ELSPA to, for once, stop rolling over every time the Government starts chasing censorship and start fighting back.

A bit ago, ELSPA instructed publishers not to start submitting games to the BBFC they don't have to until the consultation about the review's recommendations have been undertaken.

Today, ELSPA have released another (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10896&Itemid=2) statement, in the wake of the news that the government is now considering tax breaks for the games industry, saying this:

“Of immediate concern is the issue of age ratings where it is crucial that following the public consultation on games age ratings, the UK adopts the Pan European PEGI system for games sold in store and online,” Jackson continued.

"The facts are that any other conclusion from this process, including the proposed expansion of the remit of the film ratings body, the BBFC, will result in a significant and prohibitive logistical and financial burden on the games industry. This will lead to increased costs of bringing games to market and could also significantly de-stabilise the UK's influence and position within the European games industry. More importantly, it will have failed in its main objective - protecting children."

[beemoh]

Microsoft's XNA man says that neither board will be good enough (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/even-pegi-can-t-rate-user-gen-content-says-satchell):

"PEGI and the BBFC - the ratings bodies - are not going to be able to rate community content," he told GamesIndustry.biz at the GameHorizon conference in Newcastle, UK.

Instead, he believes the only way it can work is for the community to practice self-regulation - a move which will yield positive results.

...and he's probably right. Has the internet made the idea of a bespoke ratings board unworkable or even obsolete?

[beemoh]

And ELSPA have commissioned a survey (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/uk-survey-backs-single-european-ratings-system) which, shock, comes down on the side of PEGI rather than the BBFC.

In a statement, ELSPA pointed out that while PEGI is adopted in over 25 other countries in Europe, "it acts as part of a duel [sic] system that also involves the BBFC at the older end of the scale" - something which the publisher body feels is detrimental to the clarity of communication for consumers.

And MEP Michael Cashman added: "I am not surprised that most Brits believe it is vital that we are signed-up to a pan-European rating system. Many buy their games when they are away, and others download content from European games companies. These are trends which will inevitably continue.