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No time frame set for roll-out of new PEGI system

Practicalities of implementing new ratings still up in the air, admits VSC

Although the government has finally backed the PEGI classifications system for the UK, no practical decisions on the system have yet been made, the Video Standards Council has told GamesIndustry.biz.

There is currently no time frame to put the new system in place, nor clarity for retailers on what will happen to existing stock labelled with the old BBFC and PEGI logos.

"We are going to start discussions as soon as possible with the government. It's a partnership approach, we're not waiting for them to act, but we do have a lot to discuss," offered Peter Darby, director of operations for the VSC.

"We're waiting for government legislation and we want to implement these changes as soon as possible to go forward with a final plan."

Darby admitted there are no set dates to put any of the changes in place – which include a self-declaration process for publishers to submit their games to the Video Standards Council for application of the PEGI ratings.

It is also unclear how old stock labelled with the pre-existing classification system will be handled at retail, and whether retailers will be forced to apply the new PEGI system to old and second hand games.

"It's one of the things on the agenda that we're going to discuss, but again, we need to sit down with the DCMS and take it forward," offered Darby.

It was revealed yesterday that the VSC has been given tough powers to enforce PEGI ratings in the UK, including fines, refusing a license for classification and banning titles from publishers who do not comply with the new rules.

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Matt Martin

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Matt Martin joined GamesIndustry in 2006 and was made editor of the site in 2008. With over ten years experience in journalism, he has written for multiple trade, consumer, contract and business-to-business publications in the games, retail and technology sectors.