ELSPA claims BBFC downgraded 22 adult-rated games

Author: Tim Smalley
Published: 21st November 2008
Comments (7) Stumble
ELSPA claims BBFC downgraded 22 adult-rated games

ELSPA has released a report which claims that the BBFC downgraded 22 adult-rated games.

In a report released by the ELSPA, the company claims that the BBFC downgraded 22 adult titles that were given an 18 rating by PEGI. This follows recent criticism targetted at the BBFC for being too harsh with games ratings.

"The BBFC's downgrading of games opens up the potential of unnecessary risk for UK children and teenagers when playing games against other non-UK players online," ELSPA said.

"Last year, of the 50 games that PEGI rated 18+ and passed to the BBFC for classificiation, the film rating board downgraded 22 of them - almost 50 percent."

Not surprisingly, BBFC spokesperspon David Cooke was quick to dismiss ELSPA's criticism and pointed out that it takes cultural factors into account - something that PEGI's Europe-wide ratings scheme cannot do.

Cooke pointed out that BBFC consults the British public "very widely" when it revises its guidelines.

What do you think to the rival ratings systems - do they adequately protect minors from unsuitable content? Also do you think it's good that BBFC takes British culture into account or should there be a ratings system that encompasses all corners of the world? Discuss in the forums.
Quote Veles 21st November 2008, 12:58
Oh noes! Because minors wouldn't get their hand's on those games anyway! Few people actually pay any heed to PEGI ratings anyway, they're not law AFAIK anywhere.
Quote Blademrk 21st November 2008, 13:17
so which games did they downgrade?
Quote Greenie 21st November 2008, 13:25
Even if the PEGI ratings were law, it wouldnt stop parents buying the games for their kids.
I know GAME makes sure you meet the age rating if you want to buy in person but don't look old enough, but you still have others buying the games for them.
Quote ChaosDefinesOrder 21st November 2008, 13:45
I agree with blademrk, without examples this is pretty meaningless!
Quote teamtd11 21st November 2008, 13:49
Quote:
Originally Posted by Greenie
Even if the PEGI ratings were law, it wouldnt stop parents buying the games for their kids.
I know GAME makes sure you meet the age rating if you want to buy in person but don't look old enough, but you still have others buying the games for them.

I have had times in the past where they would not sell a game to my brother but if i bought it for him then its fine
Quote perplekks45 21st November 2008, 13:54
I remember being 16(1996), walking into a store in Germany, talking to the guy at the counter about indexed games, then buying Quake, which was on the index back then.
Being indexed in Germany, for those that don't know, means:
Quote:
No advertisements,
no having it in your shop except under your desk where minors can't see it,
no selling to minors
Basically, you're allowed to sell it but only if there are no visual hints anywhere in your store.

It's really not that hard to buy adult-only games as a kid today.
Quote steveo_mcg 21st November 2008, 14:05
I think this is a glowing endorsement for why not to have a Europe wide classification bureau. Last thing we in the UK need is the German censors dictating we must have green blood in games etc.

Although i can see the average daily mail readers head implode if it was suggested. "The Germans agree with us be we can't agree with Europeans, does not compute....."
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