PEGI ratings come to mobile gaming

European commissioners have welcomed an extension of the PEGI games rating system to include online mobile games.

The PEGI Online initiative is designed to help parents and players make informed decisions about the games they are playing and their suitability for different ages.

"The protection of children as users of online technologies is of great importance for the Commission," commented Viviane Reding, European commissioner for education and culture.

"The internet has added a while new dimension to the various forms of media consumption. This includes videogames which increasingly constitute one of the favourite leisure activities of Europeans of all ages and social categories.

"This is a good example of an industry initiative developed in co-operation with other stakeholders which allows a rapid and flexible solution to the problems of new technologies and greater safety to our children," said Reding.

The new PEGI Online scheme has been in development for the last 18 months, and is backed by a multi-language website. Publishers are expected to back the system with new labelling on packaging by the end of the year.