tagged w/ BBFC
-
The PEGI vs. BBFC clash has finally come to an end, with the European videogame rating board beating out the British Board of Film Classification to become the UK's sole game classifier. The BBFC was originally favored by the government, but PEGI was prefered by the games industry. Despite the bravado on both sides, it was looking like the BBFC would be the hot favorite, so this news is actually quite a shocker.
ELSPA chief Mike Rawlinson has praised the government's surprising decision, saying it was "absolutely right" and that "parents can be assured that they will have access to clear, uniform ratings on games and an accurate understanding of game content."
"Today's decision will ensure that games ratings stay relevant and adapt to the changing nature of videogames for many years to come," he adds. "Retailers will now have clear, legal backing to help them prevent access to unsuitable content by children. We will work closely with the government, the Video Standards Council and the BBFC to ensure a smooth and rapid transition to this new ratings system."
The responsibility for deciding what games we can play was split between the BBFC and PEGI, until it was decided we only needed one rating system. The BBFC and PEGI battled bitterly over who should win, with each side declaring only they were up to the task of controlling who gets to play what. The BBFC won no fans among gamers when it attempted to ban Manhunt 2. With PEGI now in control, it'll be interesting to see what happens to videogame ratings in the future.The PEGI vs. BBFC clash has finally come to an end, with the European videogame rating... more
-
-
Nettle
-
added this
-
2 years ago
- |
-
On Friday, the BBFC announced their classification for Lars von Trier’s Antichrist and it became an instant news story that the film was to be released fully uncut in the UK. Indeed, Russ Fischer wrote /Film’s report on the matter. For greater context, however, I want to provide a discussion of how the BBFC work, how this is different (and to my mind, better) than the MPAA, and some very specific details of the Antichrist ruling. It is safe to proceed beyond the break, though those of you wary of Antichrist spoilers will want to opt out at the BIG SHOUTY warning below.On Friday, the BBFC announced their classification for Lars von Trier’s... more
-
-
The battle for control over U.K. game ratings rages on...
The quasi-governmental British Board of Film Classification has released survey results which indicate that 74% of UK parents want video games to be rated by an independent (i.e., non-industry) body.
Like, say, the BBFC...
The content rating body, which has been locked in a bitter struggle for control of UK game ratings dominance with the PEGI system favored by the industry, reports that its figures come from a poll conducted on the British YouGov portal. Among its other conclusions:
* 74% of parents are concerned about the content of some video games.
* 79% of parents think video games may affect the behaviour of some children.
* 74% of parents believe video games should be regulated by an independent regulator.
* 77% of parents believe video game ratings should reflect the concerns of UK parents.
* 82% of parents believe it would help them if video games used the same ratings as films and DVDs.
BBFC head David Cooke commented on the survey data:
"This poll clearly shows parents support a regulatory system for games that is independent of the industry and UK based, reflecting UK sensibilities and sensitivities... The BBFC has been classifying games for over 20 years and our decisions reflect the views of the public. Our classification systems and symbols are known and trusted by the public and in a converging media world they want to know what their children are playing as well as watching."
Meanwhile, website techradar takes the BBFC to task, dismissing its survey as "hokum," The site criticizes the sample size (1329 parents) and suggests that leading questions were employed.
For its part, UK game publishers' trade group ELSPA promised to throw money at the problem:
"Our first concern is to protect British children... The independently administered PEGI system is the right solution for child safety.
Naturally we will support the PEGI system with a multi million pound campaign that helps parents understand that the right system for real protection of their children is PEGI."The battle for control over U.K. game ratings rages on...
The quasi-governmental... more
-
-
Nettle
-
added this
-
2 years ago
- |
-
Sex in video games is becoming much more prolific along with violence and swearing the UK regulator has said.
Titles with sex elements such as Grand Theft Auto – in which players can visit prostitutes – are on the rise, the BBFC said.
'Sex is nowhere near as common as violence but is becoming more common,' said a BBFC spokeswoman.
Do sex and video games mix? Should the content be toned down or will we end up with sexually violent games as the norm?Sex in video games is becoming much more prolific along with violence and swearing the... more
-
-
SW2
-
added this
-
2 years ago
- |
