Microsoft Pledges Support For PEGI Online In Europe

Officials from Microsoft have confirmed that the company will become the first platform owner to officially sign up to PEGI Online, a new labeling system developed by the Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE) to help protect minors when playing video games online. The system was first unveiled earlier in the month as a complementary system to the current Pan European Game Information (PEGI) game rating system. Although used across Europe the PEGI system is often used in conjunction with other age rating warnings specific to individual countries. The new online system is intended to extend the remit of PEGI to help ensure that parents and child receive appropriate warnings about online content. Rather than individual age ratings, participating games display a specific PEGI logo, indicating that the publisher has committed to the PEGI online safety code. Chris Lewis, regional vice president of Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices division said: “We’re really happy to be the first platform holder to sign up to PEGI Online and to having been a major contributor to the PEGI Online Working Group.” “It’s a great step forward to help us extend the information, education and protection PEGI ratings give to gamers into the online space with Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows Live. We take responsible and safe video gaming very seriously and will continue to work with partners in empowering parents – and provide great digital entertainment for consumers," he added.