Video game classification

02 December, 2009

Figures submitted by the British Board of Film Classification show that since 2005, far fewer videogames have been refused classification by the Board than have films and videos. Furthermore, with the exception of four titles in 2007, no games at all have been refused classification since 2005.

The information was given by Mr Sutcliffe MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Sport), Department for Culture, Media and Sport on December 1, 2009, in a written answer to Dr Pugh, MP, in the Westminster Parliament.

TIGA CEO, Dr Richard Wilson, stated:

“There have been hardly any instances of the BBFC refusing classification for video games. In fact, during the past five years, there have only been four games deemed unfit or unsuitable for classification, as opposed to 13 films – more than three times the amount of games.

“It is important that these facts are placed in the public domain as they clearly counter some of the unfair stereotypes about videogames.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

Question in the House of Commons, Dec 1, 2009.

Dr. Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many (a) video games and (b) films have been refused classification by the British Board of Film Classification in each of the last five years. [303027]

Mr. Sutcliffe: The information requested is set out in the following table.

Video games and other interactive Films (including videos)

2009 0 2

2008 0 2

2007 4 1

2006 0 1

2005 0 7

Source:
BBFC.

About TIGA:

TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership.

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