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Geography and scope PEGI is a system of self-regulation to promote the responsible use of video games. It is the first ever pan-European age rating scheme and has been operating since April 2003. PEGI provides the public - particularly parents - with an indication of the minimum age from which the content of a game is appropriate. The system’s efficiency is based on its ability to provide the consumer, at the time of purchase, with appropriate
information and advice regarding the nature of the content and its suitability. This advice is based on criteria developed and assessed by experts. The PEGI system applies to all games software, regardless of format or platform, sold or distributed in Europe by any company subscribing to the standards. The institutions of the European Union, together with the vast majority of governments in Europe fully support the project.
The PEGI system and how it functions
PEGI rated products are marketed in the following 30 countries: Austria
Denmark
Hungary
Latvia
Norway
Slovenia
Belgium
Estonia
Iceland
Lithuania
Poland
Spain
Bulgaria
Finland
Ireland
Luxembourg
Portugal
Sweden
Cyprus
France
Israel
Malta
Romania
Switzerland
Czech Republic
Greece
Italy
Netherlands
Slovakia
United Kingdom
As for all self-regulated systems, the PEGI System is based on a Code of Conduct (see Annex 1), a set of rules which every publisher contractually commits to respect when using the PEGI system. The Code deals with age labelling, promotion and advertising of interactive products. It reflects the games industry’s commitment and concern to provide information to the public in a responsible manner. With more than 21,500 games rated by the end of 2013, the PEGI system displays a proven ability to rally virtually all publishers that make games available via retail in Europe. Moreover, the system has delivered in its prime objective to help parents make informed buying decisions: they can now exercise their responsibility regarding the selection of games that suit their family with utmost confidence.
The day-to-day management and development of the PEGI system, which was created by the Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE), is entrusted to PEGI S.A. The administration of the system is contracted to the Netherlands Institute for the Classification of Audiovisual Media (NICAM) which is based in the Netherlands and the Video Standards Council (VSC) in the United Kingdom.