Presentation Transcript

1. Monitoring Video Games 06/03

   LO: To explore the roles of regulatory bodies in video game regulation To investigate the retailing of video games.
2. Who are the regulatory bodies? PEGI VSC GRA BBFC ASA Who are they? What do they do? Why do we need them? Answer this: How are games classified and what are the different aspects, of the game, that can be used to gain that certification?
3. PEGI Pan-European Game Information Provides parents and caregivers with detailed recommendations regarding the age suitability of game content in the form of age labels and content descriptors on game packages. This system is in place throughout most of Europe. Does not apply to online games! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_Uvf8sq7PU&feature=share&list=UUbXMzRvud_sBGxnhjp1sqXA Pan-European Game Information Provides parents and caregivers with detailed recommendations regarding the age suitability of game content in the form of age labels and content descriptors on game packages. This system is in place throughout most of Europe. Does not apply to online games!
4. VSC Video Standards Council Based in the UK. The VSC checks the higher age games with 12, 16 and 18 ratings against the PEGI criteria. It was established as a non-profit body to develop and oversee a Code of Practice designed to promote high standards within the video and computer game industries.
5. GRA Games Rating Authority The Games Rating Authority are now, since summer 2012, the administrators for the PEGI games rating system, which has been incorporated into UK law. They are part of the Video Standards Council and therefore games fall under the same rules as videos, which fall under the law called The Video Recordings Act brought out in 1984. It is illegal for retailers to sell to people who are not the right age for the game age rating.
6. BBFC British Board of Film Classification The BBFC used to rate games if it was considered they needed a rating. Their role has now diminished and they are only likely to certificate a game if grossly violent or sexual in nature. They will still certificate trailers and featurettes.
7. ASA The Advertising Standards Authority. Regulate the advertising across all media. They have strict Advertising Codes which must be adhered to. They also act on complaints, to make sure that advertisements are not misleading, harmful or offensive.
8. The Advertising Code They include general rules that state advertising must be responsible and must not mislead or offend, and specific rules that cover advertising to children and ads for specific sectors like alcohol, gambling, motoring, health and financial products. http://www.cap.org.uk/Advertising-Codes.aspx
9. The ASA Ruling on Complaints Received about the Video Game Hitman: Absolution Read through the complaints. Read through the ASA ruling. http://www.asa.org.uk/Rulings/Adjudications/2012/9/Square-Enix-Ltd/SHP_ADJ_197757.aspx Do you agree with the ASA ruling? Write a table with reasons for and against, but come to an ultimate conclusion that you can justify.
10. Follow the survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9RQPZ5H