Don’t like the idea of a film classification board rating games in the UK? Feel like standing up for your medium of choice? Then why not write to your MP in the name of the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) rating system, as endorsed by the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association?
The ELSPA chaps are keen for everybody to get involved - more details below. You might also want to check out our interview with ELSPA managing director Michael Rawlinson.
Take it away Mr Press Release!
THE FIGHT FOR PEGI
The video games industry is fighting to protect children and preserve the rights of games players in the UK.
The Government’s Byron Review recommended a hybrid age rating system for games driven by the film ratings board. The games industry believes that such a proposal is not future proof and will not protect the public.
Any decision that isn’t for the PEGI Ratings system could affect game release dates and prices.
Games are enjoyed by millions of people across the UK. We want their voice to be heard.
Gamers can register their views with their local MP. It is very simple to do.
By clicking on this link you are taken to a page on the Houses of Parliament web site. By simply keying in your local postcode your local MP’s details appear along with an email address.
http://www.parliament.uk/about/how/members/mps_contact.cfm
Once MPs across the country begin to understand that games are an important and valuable entertainment pastime, passion or hobby, the voice of the gaming community will become a valuable asset, pushing MPs to understand that this is an issue that their constituents care about.
Gamers can make a difference and can help.
The people that make the games they play need their support.
Here is some suggested wording that could be used in an email or letter to MPs:
“As a local constituent I am concerned about the moves being made in Government to increase the powers of the BBFC in video and computer games.
As a passionate gamer, one of 26 million in the UK, I am alarmed at this prospect.
The PEGI Age Ratings System will undoubtedly be the best age ratings system for tomorrow. PEGI is clearly the only ratings system that has the power to prevent game publishers distributing unsuitable content to children, online and offline. I understand that PEGI fully assesses all games content and is designed specifically for interactive software. Given the move to online downloadable games, I believe it is best placed for the future.
I back the PEGI Age Ratings System for video games and would be keen for you to ensure my views on this matter are noted.
I trust you will take my views into account when considering this issue in the time ahead.”
