Adult Rated games up for discussion

Mike Bantick
Friday, 28 March 2008 03:05

Opinion and Analysis

From the Gamasutra web site ; The final recommendations from the Byron Review have been published in the UK, a study commissioned by the British Government into the effects of video games and the Internet on children. The study was led by child psychologist Tanya Byron and publically backed by British prime minster Gordon Brown.

The review suggested “... lowering the statutory requirement to classify video games to 12+, to be in line with film classification and to help make the system easier for parents to understand. Significant fines and even jail sentences are suggested for shops selling games to underage buyers."

“Clear and consistent” guidance for the industry on how games should be advertised is also called for, as well as renewed attempts by the games industry to increase parents understanding of age ratings and to improve parental controls for consoles and PCs.”

Dr Byron said: “The Internet and video games are now very much a part of growing up and offer unprecedented opportunities to learn, develop and have fun. However, with new opportunities come potential risks. My recommendations will help children and young people make the most of what all digital and interactive technologies can offer, while enabling them and their parents to navigate all these new media waters safely and with the knowledge that more is being done by government and the internet and video game industries to help and support them.“