Traffic Light Ratings System

Tuesday 28th October/... In a move mirroring efforts by food manufacturers and retailers to give consumers a clear and easy way to understand food content, the games industry is close to launching a traffic light system for the ratings on video games. As the government gears up to close its consultation into video games ratings on November 20, the industry has responded to observations made by Dr Tanya Byron in her report that there is a lack of consumer awareness of the PEGI rating symbols. The industry feels that by employing a traffic light system that is simple to understand it will be effective in combating any confusion previously felt by consumers. The new system has been designed to give parents ‘at a glance’ indicators of the age appropriateness of any game’s content.

An industry source said, “Video gaming is one of the UK’s best performing sectors and a rare economic success in today’s gloomy environment, with retailers announcing record profits and government ministers describing gaming as ‘the most important part of what we call the Creative Industries’. 1

“The world of gaming is fast moving and it is vital that we have a clear ratings system that is up to date with consumers’ needs. It has already been proven that everyone understands traffic light labelling, making it the perfect scheme for the industry to adopt.” 2

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

1. Rt Hon Margaret Hodge, InStock Magazine, September 2008

2. In 2008 a MORI IPSOS poll for Sainsbury’s found that

• 92% of customers thought its traffic light labelling was easy to understand

• 73% of respondents felt traffic light labelling gave the “best at-a-glance indication of the healthiness of the food”