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| Games controller |
Askaboutgames.com is a new initiative designed to help
parents understand the age ratings system for computer and video
games so that they can make more informed choices when choosing
games for their children.
Gaming is now a mainstream leisure activity in the UK. The average
age of gamers is in the mid-twenties and it is estimated that
over half of all males and one in four of all females play games
regularly.
As with other entertainment forms, there are games
aimed at consumers of all ages from the very young to the over-18
market.
However, as recent research has highlighted, consumers, in particular
parents, appear to be confused about the age ratings system as
it applies to computer and video games and concern has been expressed
by some sectors of the media about the type of content that children
may be exposed to.
In response to this, ELSPA, the collective identity for the
UK games industry, has developed a new website, askaboutgames.com.
The site is aimed mainly at parents and guardians who know their
children play games but are concerned by negative media perception
of gaming.
Media Minister, James Purnell, said: "It's a criminal offence
to sell or rent an 18 rated game to a child. To back this up,
our penalties are among the toughest in Europe. But too often
parents unwittingly allow their children to play unsuitable games.
"I am pleased that the industry is taking further steps
to educate parents about video game content. It's particularly
important at this time of year. I'd like to remind parents to
look carefully at the games they are putting in their children's
stockings this Christmas."
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| Games console |
Roger Bennett, director general of ELSPA commented:
“We believe
that through the askaboutgames.com website parents will see that
the games industry is as well regulated as all other entertainment
mediums.
Armed with the facts on game ratings, parents will be
able to buy games for their children for Christmas and throughout
the year with the assurance that their children are not being exposed
to content unsuitable for their age.”
Through askaboutgames.com ELSPA hopes to dispel parental
concerns over unsuitable content through clear, detailed
explanations of game ratings and symbols, why ratings
are important, how they work and tips on how children
should play safely.
Askaboutgames.com also highlights ways in which consumers
can work in the games industry and courses that are available
to school leavers to get onto a gaming career path. The
games industry brings much to the UK economy through
exports, job creation and game sales.
Askaboutgames.com went live on - 7th December 2005. |
