Euro rating system PEGI goes online
by Ross Miller 
{ Jul 6th 2007 at 1:58PM }
Additionally, a PEGI Online symbol has been created to go on the back of games who adhere to the PEGI Online Safety Code. The code insists that license holders (developers, publishers) use their "best endeavors" to prevent offensive material from proliferating through the online service.
We applaud the clause for a coherent privacy policy, but are cautious toward a call for disallowing all game content not appropriately rated through PEGI, BBFC or German USK from a website. Pending interpretation of the wording and the aptitude of lawmakers regarding technology, that could be applied to user-made content such as Halo 3 replays or entrants in the Unreal Tournament mod competitions. We want a code to protect children, so long as it's not inappropriately used in a detrimental manner.
Regarding offensive material, we also hope European lawmakers are cognizant of the ingenuity of people -- even Nintendo's constricting Wi-Fi service was tainted when they allowed users a handful of pixels to create their own Mario Kart DS image. (And let's not forget the "Heil Hitler" Forza car from earlier this week.) If there are tools in place for game makers to use "best endeavors" to prevent (i.e. catch and subsequently ban) offensive material, great. But to make a cautionary note, legislators are going to need to realize that there is no technology that can effectively eliminate offensive and obscene content altogether without eliminating all content.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Matt B @ Jul 6th 2007 2:03PM
At least these kids can still have the full freedom of racially insulting everyone.
Napalm @ Jul 6th 2007 8:34PM
"United Kingdom and Europe"
Pleonasm ftw!
Zeouterlimits @ Jul 6th 2007 3:54PM
"United Kingdom and Europe."
I hate you guys.
Moving on, did ye look at the site
". They cover the majority of game genres but the main style of play is tactical combat such as first-person shooter games which are characterized by an on-screen view that provides the game character’s point of view. Players can compete head-to-head or in teams. One of the most popular games in this category is Doom."
Doom? DOOM?!? If they are infact not referring to the original and are referring to Doom 3, a very insignificant amount play Doom 3. Extremely insignificant...
Ignorant twits..
ssuk @ Jul 6th 2007 3:56PM
United Kingdom and Europe... Ahh, if only things were so simple...
Anyway, much like the PEGI rating system, this will be ignored by the masses anyway. Why can't they just do the half-arsed thing and do was ESRB does: "Game experiance may change during online play".