CONSUMER
Ireland unlikely to change games ratings
28-03-2008
by Emmet Ryan
Proposed new video game censorship laws in the UK are unlikely to be replicated in Ireland.
The Irish Film Censor's Office (IFCO) told ENN that it plans to stick with its current format of following the voluntary ratings issued by the Pan European Games Information (PEGI).
A UK government-backed review by psychologist Dr Tanya Byron, best known for her work on the television shows Little Angels and House of Tiny Tearaways, has called for the gaming industry to reform its age rating system to mirror those used for film classifications. Byron wants the system changed so that parents get a better understanding of the ratings system.
Ger Connolly, deputy censor with IFCO told ENN that he believes the current system is fulfilling that need. At the moment video games are exempt from classification in Ireland and only those deemed suitable for an over 18s rating are examined by IFCO. Despite Byron's calls for a new system to be used in the UK, IFCO does not feel there is a need to make any changes in Ireland.
"Since PEGI was introduced only one game, Manhunt 2, has been banned," said Connolly. There are 29 countries using [PEGI] and they all have input." The IFCO deputy censor sits on PEGI's advisory board and said that IFCO will continue to support the PEGI system.
Games lobby groups have warned that a change to the ratings system could have drastic economic ramifications. Tiga, a trade association for the games industry in the UK, said the changes proposed under the Byron report could lead to a slow and costly accreditation process.
Connolly dismissed these claims and said that if the PEGI system was found to be unsuitable it would be easy for IFCO to switch to a classification system similar to the one recommended by Byron. "I don't think that would be an issue. The system has worked well with films through the years," he said.
IFCO is currently undergoing a re-branding process to reflect the change in its role in recent years. The organisation is expected to be renamed as the Irish Film Classification Office sometime this year. "We basically don't cut or ban movies any more. We classify and provide information," said Connolly. "We still have censorship powers but they have become a much smaller part of the work we do."
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