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UK's ELSPA Launches Askaboutgames.com

A new website named <a href="http://www.askaboutgames.com/">askaboutgames.com</a> has been launched in the UK by industry body ELSPA (Entertainment and Leisure Software P...

David Jenkins, Blogger

December 7, 2005

1 Min Read
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A new website named askaboutgames.com has been launched in the UK by industry body ELSPA (Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association), in order to help parents understand the age ratings system used in the UK for video games. The website explains both the voluntary European PEGI system and the mandatory BBFC system (the same used for cinema and DVDs in the UK) for more mature rated games. It has been created following research that highlighted the fact that parents in particular were confused about the system and how it applies to games. The site has already received considerable media attention, including national television coverage. As well as explaining about ratings it also includes a basic glossary of video games terms, information about prominent genres and other miscellaneous industry information. Advice is also given about piracy and various health issues including epileptic fits brought on by games playing and addiction. British government Media Minister, James Purnell, said: "It's a criminal offence to sell or rent an 18 rated game to a child. To back this up, our penalties are among the toughest in Europe. But too often parents unwittingly allow their children to play unsuitable games. I am pleased that the industry is taking further steps to educate parents about video game content. It's particularly important at this time of year. I'd like to remind parents to look carefully at the games they are putting in their children's stockings this Christmas."

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About the Author

David Jenkins

Blogger

David Jenkins ([email protected]) is a freelance writer and journalist working in the UK. As well as being a regular news contributor to Gamasutra.com, he also writes for newsstand magazines Cube, Games TM and Edge, in addition to working for companies including BBC Worldwide, Disney, Amazon and Telewest.

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