PEGI is a European video game rating system that provides age recommendations and content descriptors to help consumers, especially parents, make informed decisions about games' suitability for children. It was established in 2003 and replaced many national rating systems with a single, pan-European standard. PEGI uses a code of conduct and five age categories (3, 7, 12, 16, 18) paired with eight content descriptors regarding violence, language, gambling, and more. Oversight committees provide guidance and enforcement to keep the self-regulatory system functioning properly over time.

2. • PEGI stands for “Pan European Game
Information” is a European video game
content rating system established to help
European consumers make informed
decissions when buying videogames or apps
through the use of age recommmendationsand
conternt descriptors
• It was developed by the Interactive federation of
Europe(ISFE)and cae into use in april 2003.

3.  It replaced many national age rating systems
with a single European system.
 The PEGI system is now used in 39
countries and is based on code of conduct, a
set of rules to which every publisher using
the PEGI system contractually committed .
 PEGI self regulation is composed by five age
categories and eight content descriptors that
advise the suitability and content of a game
for a certain age range based on the games
content

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. Voilence
• 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. Descrimination
• 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[5]. May contain additional paid content,
such as microtransactions 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.

12.  A consumer survey commissioned by ISFE in 2012 demonstrated
that the PEGI age rating labels are recognised on average by 51%
of respondents in 16 different countries (highest: France 72%;
lowest: Czech Republic 28%), while 86% of all respondents found
them to be clear and 89% found them useful.
 the European Parliament in its last report on protection of
consumers "takes the view that the PEGI system for rating games
is an important tool which has improved transparency for
consumers, especially parents, when buying games by enabling
them to make a considered choice as to whether a game is suitable
for children".

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
s.a. 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:
 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