We sense a pattern developing. Neil Thompson, Microsoft's UK regional director for Entertainment and Devices Devision, is "concerned" that the implementation of the Byron Review recommendations may increase the cost of games for consumers in the UK. This comes days after EA's Keith Ramsdale said the review's ideas could delay the release of games in the region.
The Byron Review recommends all games that'll receive a 12+ certification need to be evaluated by the British Board of Film Classification; only games flagged to have sex, violence or criminal activity currently receive the review. The industry is fighting the Byron recommendation so it can avoid the extra costs incurred by a BBFC review. Thompson goes on to endorse the publisher-supported PEGI system as a reasonable response to the Byron Review recommendations. Well, we've now heard from two bears, one more complaint and we should unlock the "Goldilocks Achievement."
Reader Comments (17)
Posted: Jun 27th 2008 9:15AM (Unverified) said
Posted: Jun 27th 2008 9:18AM (Unverified) said
Whaaaaa? The games are already two times more expenisve then they are in the US... Guys... that's enough, really...
Reply
Posted: Jun 27th 2008 1:00PM Peacefuloutrage said
Yes, getting games to go through another ratings board will take more time and more money. This may not be too expensive to larger developers, but imagine small developers getting games through multiple boards, each costing tens of thousands of dollars.
This whole thing is asinine. Each of the new consoles have age restrictions built into the system. The final say for who plays what should be up to the adults who play the games and the adults who are the guardians of the children, and not the government who couldn't care less about the children, but only make a stink to draw attention away from the job that they aren't doing in the first place.
the best solution would be for the BBFC and PEGI to work out some common guidelines for content descriptors and ratings so the parents, not the government would have a better idea of what to let their children play.
Reply
This whole thing is asinine. Each of the new consoles have age restrictions built into the system. The final say for who plays what should be up to the adults who play the games and the adults who are the guardians of the children, and not the government who couldn't care less about the children, but only make a stink to draw attention away from the job that they aren't doing in the first place.
the best solution would be for the BBFC and PEGI to work out some common guidelines for content descriptors and ratings so the parents, not the government would have a better idea of what to let their children play.
Posted: Jun 27th 2008 9:30AM (Unverified) said
as if games werent already more expensive in the UK, goddamn.
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Posted: Jun 28th 2008 6:06AM (Unverified) said
Lol. Every negative article on England you come out with that nugget. Makes you feel good: the repetition.
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Posted: Jun 27th 2008 9:45AM Withad said
There's only one thing worse than a stupid government policy and that's a stupid government policy that you have to pay extra to implement. Actually, that describes most government policies.
I generally haven't cared much about the BBFC and PEGI ratings systems but if the BBFC one is going to cost even more and create more delays, I say go with PEGI.
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I generally haven't cared much about the BBFC and PEGI ratings systems but if the BBFC one is going to cost even more and create more delays, I say go with PEGI.
Posted: Jun 27th 2008 9:59AM (Unverified) said
More expensive. They are already upwards of $90 in many highstreet shops, and if you are lucky you can get new releases for between $70 and $80 online.
This sounds like an excuse by MS or the games industry to charge us even more.
Reply
This sounds like an excuse by MS or the games industry to charge us even more.
Posted: Jun 27th 2008 10:02AM (Unverified) said
Now I have waited ages for the post to appear, so if this is a double post I will be really pissed.
More expensive. They are already upwards of $90(£45) in many highstreet shops, and if you are lucky you can get new releases for between $70(£35) and $80(£40) online.
This sounds like an excuse by MS or the games industry to charge us even more.
Reply
More expensive. They are already upwards of $90(£45) in many highstreet shops, and if you are lucky you can get new releases for between $70(£35) and $80(£40) online.
This sounds like an excuse by MS or the games industry to charge us even more.
Posted: Jun 27th 2008 11:36AM (Unverified) said
The BBFC system is much more well known in the UK than the confusing PEGI system... and as far as i know its worked well in every case (except maybe Manhunt2, but i agreed with them on that too).
We had no problems with GTA3 or Oblivion in the UK because they were already rated with sensible age ratings, which weren't affected by the new content.
Keep the current system, its been working fine.
Reply
We had no problems with GTA3 or Oblivion in the UK because they were already rated with sensible age ratings, which weren't affected by the new content.
Keep the current system, its been working fine.
Posted: Jun 27th 2008 11:59AM (Unverified) said
I won't accept that this is a reason for prices to be increased. Companies must already make a killing in the UK with their game prices; if they raise them any more i think they'll find a sharp decline in sales.
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Posted: Jun 28th 2008 2:26PM (Unverified) said
The thing is, they won't. Oh sure, we'll complain about it and kick up a fuss, but we won't actually _do_ anything about it. As usual, us good natured English folk will bend over and take it up the ass.
It's why I'm moving to Canada.
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It's why I'm moving to Canada.
Posted: Jun 27th 2008 3:39PM Gwr said
Well,these is the world we live,sadly.
Full of fake and useles things made by a controling goverment promoted by selfish politicians that just wana fool people to get more power,where the real issues are ignored ,we are not slaves of a man but we cant really choose what to do ,we are slaves of a system.
Reply
Full of fake and useles things made by a controling goverment promoted by selfish politicians that just wana fool people to get more power,where the real issues are ignored ,we are not slaves of a man but we cant really choose what to do ,we are slaves of a system.
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