Game Rating Information

The Pan European Games Information (PEGI) age rating system for interactive games is there to help you determine whether an Xbox® or Xbox 360™ video game is appropriate for your child.

Its aim is to ensure that minors are not exposed to games that are unsuitable for their particular age group. It does this by providing parents with a single age classification system for all games in most European states. PEGI is supported by the major console manufacturers, as well as by publishers and developers of interactive games.

In the UK, games with certain sensitive content can also be given a BBFC rating (just like a DVD or VHS movie). The only major European country not using the PEGI system is Germany, which has its own mandatory system called USK.

PEGI Online is a new addition to the PEGI system. Its purpose is to give young people in Europe better protection against unsuitable gaming content and to help parents understand the risks and potential for harm within this environment.

PEGI Online is based on four cornerstones:

• the PEGI Online Safety Code and Framework Contract which is signed by all participants
• the PEGI Online Logo which will be displayed by holders of a licence
• a dedicated website for applicants and for the general public
• an independent administration, advice and dispute settlement process.

PEGI Rating Symbols

The PEGI age bands are:

	Game content suitable for children aged 3 or over
	Game content suitable for children aged 7 or over
	Game content suitable for children aged 12 or over
	Game content suitable for teenagers aged 16 or over
	Game content suitable for adults aged 18 or over

The BBFC

PEGI ratings serve as a great indicator for parents, but in the UK games with sensitive content can be given a rating of '15' or '18' by the BBFC. Just like DVD and VHS movies, games with these ratings cannot legally be bought by anyone under the specified age. To see if a game carries a BBFC rating, look for the familiar circular numbered icons on the packaging and on the game's disc.

Are there parental control settings on the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game systems?

You can limit the games played on the Xbox 360 video game system based on the PEGI and BBFC rating levels. By default, the Xbox 360 video game system isset to play all content.

Throughthe controls provided under Family Settings menu, you can configure the Xbox 360 video game systemto play gamesthat are rated at or below the selected level. For example, if the selected level is 16+, then games rated 3+, 7+ 12+ and 16+ under PEGI and U, PG, 12 or 15 under BBFC will play in the system. Games rated as PEGI 18+ or BBFC 18 will require entry of a pass code to play. If you choose any level other than ALL, you must select a pass code.