PEGIratings

PEGI ratings, or Pan European Game Information ratings, are a system used to classify the content of video games and similar digital products across Europe. Established in 2003, the system is administered by the PEGI Council and relies on national rating bodies to assess titles against a common set of criteria. The ratings are voluntary for publishers, but they are widely adopted by developers and retailers to help consumers choose age-appropriate content. The age categories are PEGI 3, 7, 12, 16, and 18. Each game also carries one or more content descriptors that explain why a rating was assigned, including Violence, Fear, Bad Language, Sex, Drugs, Gambling, Online Interactions, Discrimination, and In-Game Purchases.

Ratings appear on physical packaging and on digital storefronts. In many countries, consumer protection laws or retail policies reinforce adherence to PEGI ratings, and platforms provide parental controls to restrict access by age. The system is distinct from other regional schemes such as the ESRB used in North America, and it is primarily used across European Union member states and several other countries. The United Kingdom applies PEGI as its rating framework and is part of the broader European system.

Historically, the PEGI Council developed the framework to provide a consistent, age-appropriate labeling mechanism for games sold in Europe and to help guardians make informed choices. Ratings are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect new content and evolving media formats, ensuring the descriptors remain informative for consumers across digital and physical releases.