Brussels - The European Commission has recommended that the video game industry there invest further in its ratings system, as well as adopt a code of conduct on the sale of games to minors within two years. "Videogames have become a strong pillar of Europe's content industry and are experiencing booming sales," said EU media commissioner Viviane Reding. "This is welcome but implies greater responsibility for the industry to ensure that parents know what kind of games their children play."

The Commission called the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) ratings system, which has been adopted by 20 of the 27 EU member states, "a good first step."

"Our clear message is that industry and national authorities must go further to ensure that all parents have the power to make the right decisions for themselves and their children," added consumer commissioner Meglena Kuneva.

The Commission recommended that PEGI be better publicized, and that countries incorporate the industry-provided ratings into their own classification systems.

Related Links:
http://ec.europa.eu/news/culture/080422_1_en.htm

http://snipurl.com/25hj7 (GamesIndustry.biz)

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117984437.html

http://www.pegi.info/en/index