BBFC Loses Out To PEGI As Digital Bill Passes Parliament
European games board ousts BBFC as its ratings become legally binding.
The controversial Digital Economy bill successfully passed Parliament last night, despite a poor turnout and lack of thorough debate. One key result for the games industry is the government backing of the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) ratings system, which is now to be the only model of classification used in the UK.
The legally binding nature of PEGI reduces the BBFC's influence - up until now games have been rated by both classification bodies. The Video Standards Council (VSC) will play a part in ensuring the European ratings system is applied to all computer games sold in the future.
Dr. Tanya Byron commented on the news to MCV, stating that "The PEGI system has been strengthened since my review and the Government has consulted widely on each of my suggested criteria. I support the Government’s decision to combine the PEGI system with UK statutory oversight."
This is despite her own government-backed review of the industry concluding that a hybrid model between the BBFC and PEGI was recommended.
BBFC director David Cooke added; "The BBFC has always supported PEGI and wished it well, but it continues to believe that it satisfies these requirements better than PEGI. However, it will cooperate fully in the detailed work needed to give effect to the Government’s decision."
Debate raged throughout Westminster's House of Commons as it became apparent that many of the 50-odd clauses listed in the Digital Economy bill were overlooked during the two-hour session.
Labour MP Tom Watson expressed frustration as he battled fellow members about various aspects of the bill - at times fighting against his own party. Later, on Twitter, he wrote; "First time I've ever broken the whip in the chamber. I feel physically sick."
The final vote tallied up at 189 ayes and just 47 noes, participated by 236 MPs.
The legally binding nature of PEGI reduces the BBFC's influence - up until now games have been rated by both classification bodies. The Video Standards Council (VSC) will play a part in ensuring the European ratings system is applied to all computer games sold in the future.
Dr. Tanya Byron commented on the news to MCV, stating that "The PEGI system has been strengthened since my review and the Government has consulted widely on each of my suggested criteria. I support the Government’s decision to combine the PEGI system with UK statutory oversight."
This is despite her own government-backed review of the industry concluding that a hybrid model between the BBFC and PEGI was recommended.
BBFC director David Cooke added; "The BBFC has always supported PEGI and wished it well, but it continues to believe that it satisfies these requirements better than PEGI. However, it will cooperate fully in the detailed work needed to give effect to the Government’s decision."
Debate raged throughout Westminster's House of Commons as it became apparent that many of the 50-odd clauses listed in the Digital Economy bill were overlooked during the two-hour session.
Labour MP Tom Watson expressed frustration as he battled fellow members about various aspects of the bill - at times fighting against his own party. Later, on Twitter, he wrote; "First time I've ever broken the whip in the chamber. I feel physically sick."
The final vote tallied up at 189 ayes and just 47 noes, participated by 236 MPs.
Comments
Daz 8 Apr 2010 15:12
1/1
finally, they've accomplished something, now how about fighting the real problem and teach parents that if the number is higher than the age of your child it's unsuitable