What do the symbols mean?

Computer and video games are age-rated according to the PEGI (Pan-European Games Information) system, and all packaging is visibly marked, front and back, with age bands 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+ and 18+. The square symbols on the left of this page are examples of the PEGI ratings.

In the UK, where we also have the Video Recordings Act of 1984, some games are referred to the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) and may therefore receive a BBFC rating, usually 15 or 18, as our examples show on the left of this page.

Where necessary, icons found on the back of the box indicate the content to be found in the game: drugs, bad language, sexual, violence, discrimination or fear. These are called game descriptors and are shown on the left of this page.

Everyone in the UK adheres to these two systems, including the major console manufacturers such as Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony, as well as by publishers, developers and retailers.

Understanding Age Ratings

PEGI 3+ - The content of games covered by this rating is considered suitable for all age groups. Some violence in a comical context (typically Bugs Bunny or Tom & Jerry forms of violence) is acceptable. The child should not be able to associate the character on the screen with real life characters, they should be totally fantasy. The game should not contain any sounds or pictures that are likely to scare or frighten young children. No bad language should be heard and there should be no scenes containing nudity nor any referring to sexual activity such that a parent may be questioned and have to start explaining the facts of life earlier than they would normally have done so.

PEGI 7+ - In this age group children can be exposed to a little more violence which must still, however, be to non-realistic fantasy characters. Any games that would normally be rated at 3+ but contain some frightening scenes or sounds may be considered suitable in this category. Some scenes of partial nudity may be permitted but never in a sexual context. Again a child should not be lead into questioning parents on these matters.

PEGI 12+ - In this age group the child can be exposed to violence of a slightly more graphic nature if it is towards fantasy characters. However, any violence towards human looking characters or recognisable animals should still be non-graphic. Nudity of a slightly more graphic nature may be shown but still must not show genitalia. Some words amounting to sexual innuendo may be used but must not be in a form that is considered bad language. Any bad language must be mild and fall short of sexual expletives. Obvious innuendo of sexual activity even though the couple cannot be seen or clearly seen.

PEGI 16+ - Young people in this age group can be exposed to slightly more extremes of violence as well as depictions of sexual activity and the use of extreme bad language. They should also be able to handle the concept of the use of tobacco and drugs, and the depiction of criminal activities.

BBFC 15 - Content suitable for children of 15 and over - for more information on official BBFC guidelines please go to the BBFC website.

BBFC 18 - Content suitable only for adults, those aged 18 and above. For more information on official BBFC guidelines please go to the BBFC website.

The vast majority of games released each year are deemed to be safe for most ages. Nearly half are suitable for all players – while a comparatively small percentage are deemed suitable for adults-only. The latest available figures show the age-rating breakdown to be as follows:
3+ 48%
7+ 5%
12+ 26%
16+ 13%
18+ 4%