PEGI
PEGI – The Pan European Game Information system, founded in 2003, serves as a unified video game content rating system across Europe, aiming to ensure that digital games are appropriately labeled for various age groups, safeguarding minors from exposure to content deemed unsuitable for their age group. Proper content assessment and descriptors facilitate another important goal of PEGI which is to assist parents in making informed decisions about the video games their children play. PEGI’s approach to ratings focuses on the age suitability of a game’s content rather than the level of difficulty[1], with classifications spanning five age categories (3, 7, 12, 16, and 18) and including over eight content descriptors such as violence, bad language, fear, drugs, and gambling, among others[2].
PEGI is recognized and utilized across 40 countries in Europe, with its ratings embedded into the parental control systems of major gaming platforms. It is highly regarded institution – as the research suggest 67% of parents and 73% of players in key European markets are aware of PEGI age labels[3]. represents the video game industry’s commitment to safeguard minors and foster consumer trust by providing transparent and reliable information about game content. The system has classified over 40,000 video games to date, backed by more than 2600 companies, including all major publishers[4].
In addition to traditional content ratings, PEGI has adapted to the evolving digital landscape by developing standards for online games through PEGI Online[5], launched in 2007, which emphasizes keeping online environments free of illegal and offensive user-generated content, offering easy reporting mechanisms, and protecting user privacy[6].
PEGI’s adaptability extends to modern gaming trends and concerns, such as in-game monetization and the safety of online gameplay for minors. Updates to its Code of Conduct in 2023, led to inclusion provisions regarding in-game purchases descriptors and notices for loot boxes, underscoring PEGI’s ongoing mission to align with industry developments and address the concerns of the general public and parents, in particular, about the digital gaming environment[7].
To enhance the ability of parents and guardians to monitor and comprehend the video games their children play, PEGI provides several supportive tools[8]. These include comprehensive descriptions of its rating criteria, tools for setting parental controls, and the specialized PEGI app. This application offers an easy way to obtain the most current video game ratings and includes thorough guidance on implementing parental controls over a broad range of devices[9].
As PEGI continually adapts and upholds its dedication to openness, it solidifies its role as a pivotal component of the European video game sector’s mission to safeguard minors and educate consumers. This ongoing development and commitment to clarity exemplify a standard of consistency and accountability in the assessment of content.[10]
[1] See PEGI age ratings (https://pegi.info/page/pegi-age-ratings).
[2] See „PEGI” Wiki (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PEGI).
[3] See PEGI – The European content rating system, Helping parents make informed decisions (https://www.videogameseurope.eu/responsible-gameplay/pegi-the-european-content-rating-system/).
[4] Id.
[5] See https://pegi.info/page/pegi-online.
[6] See PEGI – The European content rating system, Helping parents make informed decisions (https://www.videogameseurope.eu/responsible-gameplay/pegi-the-european-content-rating-system/).
[7] Id.
[8] See PEGI – Pan European Game Information (https://www.saferinternetday.org/en-US/supporters/pegi).
[9] Id.
[10] https://www.videogameseurope.eu/responsible-gameplay/pegi-the-european-content-rating-system/
