How to interpret the recommended ages of video games

Choosing the right game for children may seem straightforward until questions arise: Is it just a recommendation? What about online chat or in-game purchases? Understanding PEGI ages and warnings is key to getting it right. and avoid unpleasant surprises at home.

Although there are titles with a childlike aesthetic, their content may not be at all. The age rating does not measure difficulty, but rather the suitability of the content., and relies on descriptors that explain why a game fits into one category or another. In the following lines, we'll explain in detail how to interpret these labels and make informed decisions.

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PEGI Ages: What Each Label Means

In Europe, the PEGI system has been guiding families and guardians since 2003. Their age ranges (3, 7, 12, 16 and 18) indicate from what age the content is considered appropriate., regardless of whether the game is more or less complex to handle.

PEGI 3

This label indicates that the content is suitable for all audiences. There should be no images or sounds that scare the little ones., and if there is violence, it will be minimal, comical in tone, and clearly unrealistic. Profanity is also not permitted.

PEGI 7

Includes games that could be PEGI 3, but with scenes or sounds that may disturb young children. The violence allowed is very mild, implied, or without realistic details., and never pretends to be plausible.

PEGI 12

In this range, there may be slightly more explicit violence against fantasy characters, or non-realistic violence against human figures. Sexual innuendos or posturing and low-level foul language are tolerated., as well as references to simulated gambling.

PEGI 16

When violence or sexual activity reaches a level similar to that of the real world, the game jumps to this category. Language may be harsher, and references to tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drug use are permitted., as well as the portrayal of criminal behavior with greater crudeness.

PEGI 18

For adults only. Scenes of brutal or unjustified violence, attacks on defenseless characters, and explicit sexuality are featured here. Glamorized depictions of drug use may also appear. or other content severely inappropriate for minors.

PEGI with parental guidance recommendation

Beyond the numbers, there is a parental guidance notice introduced by PEGI for stores that use IARC. It is used in applications that are not video games (such as social networks) with very varied or user-generated content, for example, services such as Facebook, X or YouTube.

Content descriptors: how to read icons

Next to the age number, you'll see pictograms detailing why that rating has been given. These descriptors help to understand the type of sensitive content in the game., and can appear in combination.

• Violence: indicates violent acts. PEGI 7 limits this to unrealistic or poorly detailed forms; PEGI 12 may involve fantasy contexts or unrealistic human behavior; from PEGI 16 and 18 onward, the depiction becomes increasingly realistic.
• Obscene language: Indicates the presence of offensive language. PEGI 12 indicates mild; PEGI 16 and 18 may include sexually explicit insults or stronger profanity.
• fear or terror: On PEGI 7, it is classified as fear when it includes sounds or images that may frighten; on higher ratings, it can take the form of moderate terror (PEGI 12) or intense and continuous scenes (PEGI 16), including disturbing images without violence.
• Games of chance: refers to gambling simulations typical of casinos or gaming rooms. These contents are not listed in PEGI 3 or 7; they only appear in 12, 16 or 18.
• SexIf it appears with PEGI 12, it may refer to innuendo or postures; with PEGI 16, it refers to erotic nudity or non-explicit relationships; with PEGI 18, it implies explicit sexual activity. Simple non-sexual nudity does not, in itself, require a specific age.
• Drugs: mentions references to illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco. It is always associated with PEGI 16 or PEGI 18 due to the sensitivity of the subject.
• Discrimination: : only in PEGI 18 games. Indicates depictions that may incite hatred for ethnic, religious, nationalist or other reasons, and may contravene criminal laws.
• In-game purchases: the title offers the purchase of digital goods or services for real money (e.g., extra levels, cosmetics, virtual currencies, or subscriptions). An additional notice is sometimes added if it includes random paid items (loot boxes or booster packs), where you don't know the exact contents before paying. This warning appears below or next to the age and descriptors.
• Online connection: alert that the game allows you to connect to the internet, for example to chat or play with strangers. It is advisable to activate parental controls when using online games. with minors.

How to choose video games for children: practical criteria

Age labels are a starting point, but not the only variable. It is advisable to review not only the PEGI number, but also the descriptors and the maturity of the minor. to assess whether you are ready.

• Check the age rating of the game on its cover or digital card.
• Read why he is that age consulting the content descriptors.
• Keep maturity in mind and the emotional development of the child.

There may be discrepancies between platforms and publishers. For example, the same title may be listed as 10+ in a mobile app store, 7 according to PEGI, and 13+ according to its developer. In the face of differences, it is essential to analyze the reasons and the type of content. versus being left with just a number.

Remember that PEGI doesn't specify difficulty. A PEGI 3 game may be difficult to master at that age, but its content is thematically appropriate. The label is used to assess sensitivity, not skill..

This system is supported by European institutions and used mainly by industry. The PEGI label is seen on the front and back of the boxes and on the digital cards., and it is always advisable to consult it before purchasing or downloading.

Additional information: pictograms, PEGI Online and design changes

In addition to the ages, PEGI includes pictograms that explain the reason for the range. These include violence, foul language, discrimination, drugs, fear, gambling, online gambling with other people, and sex.; also the in-game purchases option, where applicable. Knowing what each icon means makes choosing titles for kids much easier.

With the rise of online gaming came PEGI Online, which sets obligations for online services: Maintain websites free from illegal or offensive content, remove unwanted links, and protect minors and their privacy.In addition, in some countries, a brief consumer warning was added next to the pictograms to make them clearer.

In 2009, PEGI's public image was revamped, inspired by the traffic light colors (green, orange, and red) to group ages 3, 7, 12, 16, and 18. The + sign was removed next to the numbers and the description was added under each pictogram. to facilitate their understanding. That same push reinforced the control of games for bands 3 and 7.

Another novelty of that period was PEGI OK for the so-called casual gaming, designed for low-cost downloadable games if the platform that distributes them complies with safety guaranteesAt the same time, a technical committee was established to advise on criteria, consumer behavior, and child protection.

Sales data in Spain in 2008 show that more than 70% of the top 50 were in the green range (3 and 7), while 16% fell into the red range (18). These percentages show that most bestsellers were suitable for minors., at least by content.

In that update it was also communicated that Age stamps are accompanied by pictographic terms and that there is the possibility of expanding the information with descriptions for tutors, already adopted in the United Kingdom as a consumer notice.

As an institutional note, Nintendo of Europe SE is a member of ISFE (the Interactive Software Federation of Europe), reflecting the widespread adoption of the system. The PEGI ecosystem is supported by major manufacturers and publishers. Europe.

Documentation from that era included contacts for the aDeSe press office, links to its website, and a corporate phone number for further information. A downloadable press release was even distributed. which detailed all of these visual and operational changes.

Other classification systems outside Europe

Outside the EU, each region uses its own method. A review of PEGI and ESRB It shows that in America the standard is ESRB, which emerged in 1994 after the Mortal Kombat controversy. ESRB labels by age (Everyone, 10+, Teen 13+, Mature 17+ and Adults Only), and has very specific descriptors such as blood, mutilations, alcohol, scatological humor or sexual nudity.

Legal aspects and how age is assigned

The video game combines software and audiovisual work, and that has legal implications. Its elements are protected by copyright, and as a consumer product it must comply with customer information regulations..

In Europe, the protection of minors in audiovisual content is addressed in texts such as Recommendation 2006/952/EC and Directive 2010/13/EU, as well as a 2002 Council resolution promoting self-regulation. From this framework PEGI was born as a harmonized way to inform on labeling. in member countries.

In Spain, the General Law on Audiovisual Communication requires warnings about content that is potentially harmful to minors, and Royal Decree 410/2002 establishes criteria for television signaling. Although there is no single law on video games, practice and consumer regulations require clear labeling., and PEGI is the ideal instrument for this. Furthermore, the 2010 ICAA Resolution establishes criteria for classifying audiovisual works, with useful parallels for the sector.

In practice, although PEGI is a self-regulatory system, its adoption is practically mandatory: Large platforms such as Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo require classification to publish. This ensures a common standard in Europe.

The process works like this: the publisher completes a questionnaire detailing the content; based on those responses, a provisional age is proposed; then, a PEGI-enforcing agency (such as NICAM) independently reviews the game and validates or adjusts the rating; finally, the license to use icons and labels on the cover and digital record is issued.

For digital products in stores and on mobile devices, IARC, the international age rating coalition to which PEGI belongs, is used. The mechanism is equivalent and automates multi-region publishing maintaining consistency between markets.

Numeric labels are assigned based on violence, language, drugs, sex, and other variables, and are displayed using color codes. Content descriptors do not in themselves imply a specific ageFor example, the sex icon may accompany PEGI 12 if it is only suggestive, and only lead to PEGI 18 when there is explicit activity.

PEGI Online was launched in 2007, extended to mobile phones and tablets in 2015, and in 2018, information requirements for internal purchases were introduced. Some controversies have arisen with loot boxes, present even in PEGI 3 titles., which reinforces the importance of always reading random purchase notices.

Video games and minors: useful data and resources

Video games are the leading option for audiovisual and cultural entertainment in Spain and generate millions of dollars. According to industry data, turnover in 2019 exceeded 1.400 billion euros., with a large and diverse player base.

Nearly a fifth of those playing are children between the ages of 5 and 14. Many titles combine fantasy and humor with actions that may be sensitive for these ages. Not everything that seems childish is so in content, and it is advisable not to let our guard down.

A usage analysis conducted in Spain indicates that 80% of the most popular games among minors contain some form of violence. This does not imply that they are inadequate per se, but it does require informed supervision. by families.

To guide you, you have resources like IS4K (Safe Internet for Kids), from INCIBE, with guides, best practices, and a helpline at 017. They recommend encouraging critical thinking, training social skills, and offering quality games appropriate for the age., in addition to using parental controls.

Common Sense Media is another reference: an independent non-profit entity that analyzes movies, apps, websites and video games with filters by age and theme, publishes extensive guides to phenomena like Roblox and Fortnite, and offers forums for families.

The role of families: beyond the label

The theory is known, but in practice the classification is often not reviewed. A study of teenagers revealed that the vast majority said their parents didn't look at labels., and even today we see cases like Fortnite, widely played by children under 12 despite its PEGI 12 rating.

Furthermore, every child matures at their own pace. A PEGI 12 may include sexual innuendos that not everyone is ready to process. It is the responsibility of adults to assess whether their child is ready for certain content., knowing in advance what that game offers.

The most effective way is to take a genuine interest in what they're playing: sit next to them, play together, and discuss what's happening on the screen. Playing with them strengthens family dialogue and gives you real context. to decide and apply limits when necessary.

The industry itself supports these tools: Nintendo of Europe SE is part of the ISFE, and the rating is managed by PEGI SA, a non-profit entity that applies a common code of conduct and independent verifications to protect minors and provide clear information to consumers.

In Spain, institutional and sectoral communication has been constant. There was, for example, a notable communication in 2009 in which The sector's employers' association released design changes, online obligations, and statistics by segment.For practical purposes, today you can recognize the age and reason for the ad on any cover in seconds.

Remember three simple ideas: look at the age, understand the descriptors, and think about the child's specific maturity. With that combination, and supported by resources like IS4K and Common Sense Media, getting it right is much easier. and the little ones can enjoy the game safely.