The document discusses the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) rating system for video games. It describes the different rating categories (PEGI 3, 7, 12, 16, 18) and what types of content fall under each rating. It also discusses the regulatory bodies that oversee PEGI and ensure it is properly functioning. These include the Experts Group, Legal Committee, and Enforcement Committee. In addition, it outlines the goals and principles of PEGI Online, which was created in 2007 to provide improved protection for young people playing online games.

1. Video games
Major Regulatory Bodies

4. •The content of games with a PEGI 3 rating is considered
suitable for all age groups. The game should not contain
any sounds or pictures that are likely to frighten young
children. A very mild form of violence (in a comical context
or a childlike setting) is acceptable. No bad language
should be heard.
• Game content with scenes or sounds that can
possibly frightening to younger children should fall
in this category. Very mild forms of violence
(implied, non-detailed, or non-realistic violence) are
acceptable for a game with a PEGI 7 rating.

5. •Video games that show violence of a slightly more graphic
nature towards fantasy characters or non-realistic violence
towards human-like characters would fall in this age
category. Sexual innuendo or sexual posturing can be
present, while any bad language in this category must be
mild. Gambling as it is normally carried out in real life in
casinos or gambling halls can also be present (e.g. card
games that in real life would be played for money).
• This rating is applied once the depiction of
violence (or sexual activity) reaches a stage
that looks the same as would be expected in
real life. The use of bad language in games
with a PEGI 16 rating can be more extreme,
while games of chance, and the use of tobacco,
alcohol or illegal drugs can also be present.

6. •The adult classification is applied when the level of
violence reaches a stage where it becomes a depiction of
gross violence, apparently motiveless killing, or violence
towards defenseless characters. The glamorization of the
use of illegal drugs and explicit sexual activity should
also fall into this age category.

7. Violence
•The game contains depictions of violence. In games rated
PEGI 7 this can only be non-realistic or non-detailed
violence. Games rated PEGI 12 can include violence in a
fantasy environment or non-realistic violence towards
human-like characters, whereas games rated PEGI 16 or 18
have increasingly more realistic-looking violence.
Bad Language
• The game contains bad language. This descriptor
can be found on games with a PEGI 12 (mild
swearing), PEGI 16 (e.g. sexual expletives or
blasphemy) or PEGI 18 rating (e.g. sexual expletives
or blasphemy).

8. Fear
• This descriptor may appear on games with a PEGI
7 if it contains pictures or sounds that may be
frightening or scary to young children, or on PEGI
12 games with horrific sounds or horror effects
(but without any violent content).
Gambling
• The game contains elements that encourage or
teach gambling. These simulations of gambling
refer to games of chance that are normally carried
out in casinos or gambling halls. Games with this
sort of content are PEGI 12, PEGI 16 or PEGI 18.

9. Sex
•This content descriptor can accompany a PEGI 12 rating
if the game includes sexual posturing or innuendo, a
PEGI 16 rating if there is erotic nudity or sexual
intercourse without visible genitals or a PEGI 18 rating if
there is explicit sexual activity in the game. Depictions of
nudity in a non-sexual content do not require a specific
age rating, and this descriptor would not be necessary.
Drugs
•The game refers to or depicts the use of
illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco. Games
with this content descriptor are always
PEGI 16 or PEGI 18.

10. Discrimination
• The game contains depictions of ethnic, religious,
nationalistic or other stereotypes likely to encourage
hatred. This content is always restricted to a PEGI 18
rating (and likely to infringe national criminal laws).
Online
•May contain online interactions. This descriptor was
discontinued by PEGI in 2015, with the majority of present-
day games and all consoles allowing for online
interactions. Still appears for games classified before July
2015.
In Game Purchases
•Introduced in 2018. May contain additional paid content,
such as micro transactions or downloadable content, that
can be purchased with real money inside the game.

11. As of December 2015, PEGI has rated more than
25,300 games. 42.2% of these games were rated 3,
15.8% rated 7, 22.3% rated 12, 12.7% rated 16 and
only 7% were rated 18.

13. There are a number of committees to ensure the system
keeps functioning properly.
Experts Group:
The PEGI Experts Group is made up of academics
working in the fields of psychology and sociology, and representatives
from NICAM, VSC, and the games industry. It works on adapting and
modifying the PEGI questionnaire and the underlying criteria to take
account of technological and content developments and
recommendations made by the PEGI Council or circumstances
brought to light by the complaints procedure.
Legal Committee:
Since PEGI is a voluntary system it runs in conjunction
with, and is subordinate to, existing national laws, whether they
prohibit certain content or establish mandatory rating systems.

14. The Legal Committee's role is to advise PEGI
of any changes to national legislation within
participating countries that could affect the
voluntary age rating system.
Enforcement Committee:
The Enforcement Committee is
charged with implementing the recommendations
of the PEGI Council and, more generally, of
ensuring the enforcement of the provisions of the
PEGI Code of Conduct, including conclusion of
the Complaints Board.

15. In 2007, the PEGI Online division of PEGI was formed as an addition
to the PEGI system for online games. Goals include giving young
people in Europe improved protection against unsuitable online
gaming content and educating parents on how to ensure safe online
play.
PEGI Online is based on four principles:
o 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
 The website for applicants and for the general public
 An independent administration, advice, and dispute settlement
process