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{{short description|European video game content rating system}}
{{other uses|Pegi (disambiguation)}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Infobox organization
| name                     = Pan-European Game Information
| image                    = PEGI - Logo.svg
| image_border             = 
| size                     = <!-- default 200 -->
| alt                      = <!-- alt text; see [[WP:ALT]] -->
| caption                  = 
| motto                    = 
| formation                = {{start date and age|2003|4|9|df=y}}
| extinction               = <!-- date of extinction, optional -->
| type                     = <!-- GO, NGO, IGO, INGO, etc -->
| status                   = <!-- ad hoc, treaty, foundation, etc -->
| purpose                  = Classification of video games
| headquarters             = 
| location                 = [[City of Brussels|Brussels]], [[Belgium]]
| coords                   = <!-- Coordinates of location using a coordinates template -->
| region_served            = Most European countries<br />{{small|(Germany and Russia are notable exemptions)}}
| membership               = 
| language                 = <!-- official languages -->
| leader_title             = <!-- position title for the leader of the org -->
| leader_name              = <!-- name of leader -->
| main_organ= <!-- gral. assembly, board of directors, etc -->
| parent_organization      = Interactive Software Federation of Europe
| affiliations             = <!-- if any -->
| num_staff                = 
| num_volunteers           = 
| budget                   = 
| website                  = {{URL|https://pegi.info/}}
| remarks                  = 
}}
'''PEGI''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|p|ɛ|ɡ|i}} {{respell|PEG|ee}}), short for '''Pan-European Game Information''',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pegi.info/page/pegi-organisation |title=The PEGI organisation |publisher=pegi.info |access-date=2022-06-01}}</ref> is a European [[video game content rating system]] established to help European consumers make informed decisions when buying video games or apps through the use of age recommendations and content descriptors. It was developed by the Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE) and came into use in April 2003, replacing many national age rating systems with a single European system. 

The PEGI system is now used in 38 countries and is based on a code of conduct, a set of rules to which every publisher using the PEGI system is contractually committed. PEGI self-regulation is composed by five age categories and nine content descriptors that advise the suitability of a game for a certain age range based on the game's content. The age rating is not intended to indicate the difficulty of the game or the skill required to play it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pegi.info/en/index/id/33 |title=PEGI Pan European Game Information – What do the labels mean? |publisher=Pegi.info |access-date=29 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807040750/http://www.pegi.info/en/index/id/33 |archive-date=7 August 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Age ratings ==
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PEGI has six age categories.
{| class="wikitable"
! Rating
! Description
|-
|[[File:PEGI 3.svg|60px]]
| The content of games with a PEGI 3 rating is considered suitable for all age groups. The game should not contain any sounds or pictures that are likely to frighten young children. A very mild form of violence (in a comical context or a childlike setting) is acceptable. No bad language should be heard.<ref name=":0" />
|-
|[[File:PEGI 7.svg|60px]]
| Game content with scenes or sounds that can possibly be frightening to younger children should fall in this category. Very mild forms of violence (implied, non-detailed, or non-realistic violence) are acceptable for a game with a PEGI 7 rating.<ref name=":0" />
|-
|[[File:PEGI 12.svg|60px]]
| Video games that show violence of a slightly more graphic nature towards fantasy characters or non-realistic violence towards human-like characters would fall in this age category. Sexual innuendo or sexual posturing can be present, while any bad language in this category must be mild.<ref name=":0" />
|-
|[[File:PEGI 16.svg|60px]]
| This rating is applied once the depiction of violence (or sexual activity) reaches a stage that looks the same as would be expected in real life. The use of bad language in games with a PEGI 16 rating can be more extreme, while the use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs can also be present.<ref name=":0" />
|-
|[[File:PEGI 18.svg|60px]]
| The 18 rating, which indicates content suitable only for adults, is applied when the level of violence reaches a stage where it becomes a depiction of gross violence, apparently motiveless killing, or violence towards defenceless characters. The glamorisation of the use of illegal drugs, explicit sexual activity, and gambling should also fall into this age category.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://pegi.info/what-do-the-labels-mean|title=What do the labels mean?|publisher=PEGI|access-date=2019-05-26}}</ref>
|-
|[[File:PEGI PARENTAL.svg|60px]]
| In addition to age ratings, there is a special rating represented by an exclamation point labeled "Parental Guidance Recommended". These contents are available for all ages, but it is recommended that parents (mostly with children who are under the age of 18) supervise activities within the program.
|}

=== Content descriptions ===
In addition to the above ratings, PEGI also uses nine content descriptors:

==== Current ====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Icon
! Content descriptor
! Active since
! Explanation
! Corresponding age ratings
|-
| [[File:PEGI Bad Language annotated.svg|60px]]
| [[Profanity|Bad Language]]
| align="center" | 2003
| The game contains bad language. This descriptor can be found on games with a PEGI 12 (mild swearing), PEGI 16 or PEGI 18 rating (e.g. sexual expletives or blasphemy).
| [[File:PEGI 12.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 12]] [[File:PEGI 16.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 16]] [[File:PEGI 18.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 18]]
|-
| [[File:PEGI Discrimination annotated.svg|60px]]
| [[Discrimination]]
| align="center" | 2003
| The game contains depictions of ethnic, religious, nationalistic or other stereotypes deemed likely to encourage hatred. This content is always restricted to a PEGI 18 rating (and may infringe national criminal laws). As of {{currentyear}}, only five titles have this descriptor: two expansions for ''[[Postal 2]]'' – ''[[Postal 2#Share the Pain|Share the Pain]]'' (2004) and ''[[Postal 2#Apocalypse Weekend|Apocalypse Weekend]]'' (classified 2005); ''[[Original War]]'' (classified 2004); ''[[Patriots: A Nation Under Fire]]'' (2006); and ''[[SWAT: Target Liberty]]'' (2007, the only PSP title to do that).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Search [Games with the 'Discrimination' descriptor] {{!}} Pegi Public Site|url=https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=&age%5B%5D=&descriptor%5B%5D=Discrimination&publisher=&platform%5B%5D=&release_year%5B%5D=&page=1&op=Search&form_build_id=form-YTal2928PR5wa4fZkD7CfA_Mi6truOIjMgILbHIqC-U&form_id=pegi_search_form|access-date=2019-05-08|publisher=PEGI|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127125322/https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=&age%5B%5D=&descriptor%5B%5D=Discrimination&publisher=&platform%5B%5D=&release_year%5B%5D=&page=1&op=Search&form_build_id=form-YTal2928PR5wa4fZkD7CfA_Mi6truOIjMgILbHIqC-U&form_id=pegi_search_form|archive-date=2024-11-27}}</ref>
| [[File:PEGI 18.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 18]]
|-
| [[File:PEGI Drugs annotated.svg|60px]]
| [[Drugs]]
| align="center" | 2003
| The game refers to or depicts the use of illegal drugs, narcotics, alcohol or tobacco. Games with this content descriptor are rated either PEGI 16 or PEGI 18.
| [[File:PEGI 16.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 16]] [[File:PEGI 18.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 18]]
|-
| [[File:PEGI Fear annotated.svg|60px]]
| [[Fear]]/[[Horror fiction|Horror]]
| align="center" | 2003
| The Fear descriptor may appear on games with a PEGI 7 if they contain pictures or sounds that may be frightening or scary to young children. The Horror descriptor may appear on PEGI 12, PEGI 16, or PEGI 18 games with horror sound effects or images, but not necessarily any violent content. Although PEGI's official website states that only games rated PEGI 7 may carry the Fear descriptor as of 2024,<ref name=":0" /> it also lists three titles previously rated PEGI 12 – ''[[Road to India (video game)|Road to India]]'' (classified 2007),<!-- possibly an error, photos of boxes with PEGI 3 and 7 ratings can be found online --> ''[[Ultima VII: The Black Gate|Ultima VII Complete]]'' (classified 2013)<!-- rating further confirmed by GOG; https://www.gog.com/en/game/ultima_7_complete --> and the [[hidden object game]] collection ''Grim Tales: {{lang|de|Die Gray Familien-Saga}}'' (2017)<ref>{{cite web |title=Search [Games rated 12 with the 'Fear' descriptor] {{!}} Pegi Public Site |url=https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=&age%5B%5D=12&descriptor%5B%5D=Fear&publisher=&platform%5B%5D=&release_year%5B%5D=&page=1&op=Search&form_build_id=form-89x1tXOd-QC5d-ja5qEK4xHoL9qk8BOMTM89fXYvxl0&form_id=pegi_search_form |publisher=PEGI |access-date=30 October 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220003439/https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=&age%5B%5D=12&descriptor%5B%5D=Fear&publisher=&platform%5B%5D=&release_year%5B%5D=&page=1&op=Search&form_build_id=form-89x1tXOd-QC5d-ja5qEK4xHoL9qk8BOMTM89fXYvxl0&form_id=pegi_search_form |archive-date=2024-12-20}}</ref> – as well as the PEGI 16 title ''ABE VR'' (2016)<ref>{{cite web |title=ABE VR |url=https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=&age%5B%5D=16&descriptor%5B%5D=Fear&publisher=&platform%5B%5D=&release_year%5B%5D=&page=1&op=Search&form_build_id=form-4i1Vyqum9r-ojwk69ZwQc_eFfxF-LaCIWgncIxycVs0&form_id=pegi_search_form |website=PEGI |access-date=30 October 2022}}</ref> as displaying the Fear descriptor instead of Horror.
| Fear: [[File:PEGI 7.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 7]] <br>Horror: [[File:PEGI 12.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 12]] [[File:PEGI 16.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 16]] [[File:PEGI 18.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 18]]
|-
| [[File:PEGI Gambling annotated.svg|60px]]
| [[Gambling]]
| align="center" | 2003
| The game contains elements that encourage or teach gambling. These simulations of gambling refer to games of chance that are normally carried out in casinos or gambling halls. Games with this sort of content could previously be classified at PEGI 12 or PEGI 16.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/31/20842468/nba-2k20-gambling-trailer-rating-loot-boxes-myteam|title=PEGI rating board explains why it didn't flag NBA 2K20 as gambling|last=Good|first=Owen S.|date=2019-08-31|website=Polygon|language=en|access-date=2019-10-25}}</ref> As of 2020, all new games with such content, whether or not real-life currency is directly involved, are rated PEGI 18, although older games retain their existing classifications.<ref name=":0" />
| [[File:PEGI 18.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 18]]<br>Former: [[File:PEGI 12.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 12]] [[File:PEGI 16.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 16]]
|-
| [[File:PEGI Sex annotated.svg|60px]]
| [[Sex and nudity in video games|Sex]]
| align="center" | 2003
| This content descriptor can accompany a PEGI 12 rating if the game includes sexual posturing or innuendo, a PEGI 16 rating if there is erotic nudity or sexual intercourse without visible genitals, or a PEGI 18 rating if there is explicit sexual activity in the game. Depictions of nudity in a non-sexual context do not require a specific age rating, and this descriptor would not be necessary.
| [[File:PEGI 12.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 12]] [[File:PEGI 16.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 16]] [[File:PEGI 18.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 18]]
|-
| [[File:PEGI Violence annotated.svg|60px]]
| [[Violence]]
| align="center" | 2003
| The game contains depictions of violence. In games rated PEGI 7 this can only be non-realistic or non-detailed violence. Games rated PEGI 12 can include violence in a fantasy environment or non-realistic violence towards human-like characters, whereas games rated PEGI 16 or 18 have increasingly more realistic-looking violence.
| [[File:PEGI 7.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 7]] [[File:PEGI 12.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 12]] [[File:PEGI 16.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 16]] [[File:PEGI 18.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 18]]
|-
| [[File:PEGI Online.svg|60px|alt=PEGI Online]]
| [[Online game|Online]]
| align="center" | 2003
| May contain online interactions.
| [[File:PEGI 3.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 3]] [[File:PEGI 7.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 7]] [[File:PEGI 12.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 12]] [[File:PEGI 16.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 16]] [[File:PEGI 18.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 18]]
|-
| [[File:PEGI In-Game Purchases annotated.svg|60px]]
| [[In-app purchases|In-Game Purchases]]
| align="center" | 2018<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pegi.info/news/new-in-game-purchases-descriptor|title=PEGI announces new content descriptor: in-game purchases {{!}} Pegi Public Site|publisher=PEGI|access-date=5 June 2019}}</ref>
| The game presents players with the options to purchase digital goods or services with real-world currency. These purchases include but are not limited to bonus levels, skins, surprise items, music, virtual coins and other forms of in-game currency, subscriptions, season passes and upgrades (e.g. to disable ads).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2018/08/30/uk-video-game-boxes-will-soon-warn-of-in-game-purchases|title=UK Video Game Boxes Will Soon Warn of In-Game Purchases |website=Kotaku |first=Laura Kate |last=Dale |date=30 August 2018|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907230946/http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2018/08/30/uk-video-game-boxes-will-soon-warn-of-in-game-purchases |archive-date=2020-09-07}}</ref> This descriptor may be accompanied by an additional notice that the game includes random items such as [[loot box]]es.<ref name=":0" />
| [[File:PEGI 3.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 3]] [[File:PEGI 7.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 7]] [[File:PEGI 12.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 12]] [[File:PEGI 16.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 16]] [[File:PEGI 18.svg|20px|alt=PEGI 18]]
|}

====Former====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Portugal
! Finland
|-
! 2003–2021
! 2003–2007
|- align="center"
| [[File:PEGI 4.svg|60px]]
| [[File:PEGI 11.svg|60px]]
|- align="center"
| [[File:PEGI 6.svg|60px]]
| [[File:PEGI 15.svg|60px]]
|}

In Portugal, the PEGI 3 and 7 categories were originally aligned with the age ratings of the film classification system – 4 and 6, respectively – to avoid confusion.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.revistapushstart.com/pegi-classificacao-de-videojogos-em-portugal | title=PEGI – Classificação de videojogos em Portugal| date=27 April 2020}}</ref> Finland also used a modified scale, where the PEGI 12 and 16 categories became 11 and 15, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709121218/https://www.is.fi/digitoday/art-2000001383156.html|url=https://www.is.fi/digitoday/art-2000001383156.html|title= Myös videot mukana - Digitoday - Ilta-Sanomat|date=2003-05-07|archive-date=2022-07-09}}</ref> Finland fully adopted PEGI on 1 January 2007, while Portugal fully adopted it on 14 January 2021, and the standard ratings were fully enforced as well in both countries at the respective dates.<ref>{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219211852/https://pegi.info/pegi/index.do?method=news&id=17|url=https://pegi.info/pegi/index.do?method=news&id=17|title=New Finnish law recognises PEGI|archive-date=2007-02-19}}</ref><ref name="pegi_pt">{{cite web | url=https://dre.tretas.org/dre/4383132/portaria-15-2021-de-14-de-janeiro | title=Portaria 15/2021 | date=2021-01-14}}</ref>

== Rating process ==
To obtain the ratings for any piece of interactive software, the applicant submits the game with other supporting materials and completes a content declaration,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pegi.info/en/index/id/1184/media/pdf/235.pdf|title=PEGI Assessment Form|publisher=Pegi.info|access-date=6 November 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215170513/http://www.pegi.info/en/index/id/1184/media/pdf/235.pdf|archive-date=15 December 2011}}</ref> all of which is evaluated by an '''independent administrator''' called the [[Netherlands Institute for the Classification of Audiovisual Media]] (NICAM). It is based on the Dutch [[Kijkwijzer]] system as well.<ref>[http://www.kijkwijzer.nl/pagina.php?id=3 NICAM website] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221174849/http://www.kijkwijzer.nl/pagina.php?id=3 |date=21 December 2008 }}</ref>
Following the evaluation the applicant will receive a license to use the rating logos. If the applicant disagrees with the rating, they can ask for an explanation or make a complaint to the complaints board. Consumers may also make complaints to this board.

Although PEGI was established by an industry body (ISFE) the ratings are given by a body independent of the industry and the whole system is overseen by a number of different Boards and Committees. There is the '''PEGI Council''', composed mainly by national representatives for PEGI, that recommends adjustments to the code in light of social, legal and technological developments. Members of the PEGI Council are recruited for their skill and experience from among parent/consumer body representatives, child psychologists, media specialists, civil servants, academics and legal advisers versed in the protection of minors in Europe.<ref name="pegi">{{cite web |url=http://www.pegi.info/en/index/id/41/ |title=Website PEGI |publisher=Pegi.info |access-date=29 June 2011 |archive-date=1 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301182850/http://www.pegi.info/en/index/id/41 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

There is also a '''Complaints Board''' with experts from various European countries. They deal with complaints related to breaches of requirements of the code of conduct or to age rating recommendations. Should a complaint be received from a consumer or publisher regarding a rating given to a game and no satisfactory settlement can be reached by the PEGI administrator through discussion, explanation or negotiation the complainant may formally request the Complaints Board to mediate. Three board members will then convene, hear the complaint and decide on a ruling. Publishers using the PEGI system are bound by the decision of the Complaints Board. Consequently, they are obliged to carry out any corrective actions required and, in cases of non-compliance, are subject to sanctions as laid out by the code.

== Global cooperation in IARC ==
In 2013, PEGI co-founded the [[International Age Rating Coalition]] with [[Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle|USK]] and the [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]. IARC aims to streamline the rating of digitally distributed games and apps by providing a single online system that produces age ratings for all participating regions. By filling out one questionnaire, a publisher instantaneously receives ratings from PEGI, [[Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle|USK]], [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]], [[Australian Classification Board|ACB]] and others.<ref name="ign">{{cite web|url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2014/09/01/getting-digitally-distributed-games-classified-in-australia-to-be-cost-free|title=Getting Digitally-Distributed Games Classified in Australia to Be Cost-Free - IGN|date=September 2014 |publisher=au.ign.com|access-date=25 March 2016}}</ref><ref name="dealspwn">{{cite web|url=http://www.dealspwn.com/international-age-ratings-system-160904|title=New International Age Ratings System Launching Worldwide Next Year &#124; Video Game Deals & UK News &#124; Dealspwn.com|publisher=dealspwn.com|access-date=25 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322134006/http://www.dealspwn.com/international-age-ratings-system-160904|archive-date=22 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== PEGI Online ==
In 2007, the PEGI Online division of PEGI was formed as an addition to the PEGI system for online games. Goals include giving young people in Europe improved protection against unsuitable online gaming content and educating parents on how to ensure safe online play.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pegi.info/page/pegi-online |title=PEGI Online Website |publisher=Pegionline.info |access-date=29 June 2011}}</ref> This project is supported directly by the European Commission:

{{Blockquote|PEGI On-line, which was launched in June 2007 and co-funded by the Safer Internet Programme, is the logical development of the PEGI system, designed to better protect young people against unsuitable gaming content and to help parents to understand the risks and potential for harm within this environment.<ref>Communication from the commission of the European parliament, the council, the European economic and social committee and the committee of the regions, on the protection of consumers, in particular minors, in respect of the use of video games, Brussels, 2008, p.3.</ref>}}

PEGI Online is based on four principles:
* The PEGI Online Safety Code and Framework Contract which is signed by all participants
* The PEGI Online Logo which will be displayed by holders of a licence
* The website for applicants and for the general public
* An independent administration, advice, and dispute settlement process

The licence to display the PEGI Online Logo is granted by the PEGI Online Administrator to any online gameplay service provider that meets the requirements set out in the PEGI Online Safety Code (POSC).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pegi.info/page/pegi-online-safety-code |title=PEGI Online Safety Code |publisher=Pegionline.info }}</ref>

== Usage ==
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2022}}
PEGI is the standard age rating system for video games in 38 European countries <ref>{{cite web|url=https://pegi.info/page/pegi-organisation|title= The PEGI organisation}}</ref> but products with PEGI labels can be found across the globe alongside other rating systems as a result of import for linguistic reasons (e.g.: [[Indian English|English]] versions in [[India]], [[South Africa]] and the [[United Arab Emirates]], Spanish or Portuguese versions in [[Latin America]]). The official status of PEGI ratings varies from country to country, depending on the way national legislation deals with age classification and the protection of minors. In some countries, PEGI is the [[de facto]] standard without specific regulation, other countries have officially acknowledged PEGI as the sole system for age ratings, while yet another number of countries have incorporated the PEGI rating system into laws governing the age classification of media, making the labels enforceable in retail.

=== Officially supports PEGI ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="width: 155px;" | Country
! Status
! style="width: 120px;" | Local system
|-
| {{flagu|Albania}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council.
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Austria}}
| Officially supports PEGI. Although there is no specific legislative basis at the federal level, PEGI is legally adopted and enforceable in the [[Federal states of Austria|federal state]] of [[Vienna]] and [[Carinthia]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/de/themen/onlinesicherheit_internet_und_neue_medien/internet_und_handy___sicher_durch_die_digitale_welt/4/Seite.1720600 |title=Informationen zu digitalen Spielen für Kinder und Jugendliche |website=www.oesterreich.gv.at |access-date=2025-09-15}}</ref> Other states do not prescribe a specific labelling system, with the exception of Salzburg, where USK labels are mandatory. Represented in the PEGI Council.
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Belgium}}
| Officially supports PEGI, but there is no specific legislative basis.
|
|-
| {{flagu|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council.
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Bulgaria}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
|{{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Croatia}}
|Officially support PEGI and PEGI age classifications are mandatory by law. However, distributors have to submit official announcement to national videogame commission (consisting of 3 people from [https://havc.hr/# HAVC], [https://cgda.eu/hr/ CGDA] and [https://www.aem.hr/ AEM]) to approve this rating (and de facto, release of videogame) for inside of Croatia. In case of disapproval, distributors have to highlight the change of age rating inside Croatia, according to decision of national videogame commission.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NN 40/2021 (15.4.2021.), Pravilnik o kategorizaciji audiovizualnih djela - Zakon.hr |url=https://www.zakon.hr/cms.htm?id=48208 |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=www.zakon.hr}}</ref>
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Cyprus}}
| Officially supports PEGI, but there is no specific legislative basis. [[Northern Cyprus]] however does not officially support PEGI, but uses it. Nor does it have a legislative basis, even though it is internationally recognised as part of the Republic of Cyprus, some laws like those do not apply there. PEGI labels are used as most are imported from Turkey and the rest of the EU.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Czech Republic}}
| Officially supports PEGI, but there is no specific legislative basis.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Denmark}}
|  Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Estonia}}
| Officially supports PEGI, but there is no specific legislative basis.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Finland}}
| In Finland, games with PEGI ratings are exempt from mandatory classification with national age symbols. Both classifications are enforced by the penal code. Represented in the PEGI Council.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
| [[National Audiovisual Institute (Finland)|KAVI]]
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|France}}
| France has adopted legislation making classification of video games with age labels mandatory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nextinpact.com/news/94139-le-classification-jeux-video-bientot-obligatoire-en-france.htm|title= Article explaining plans for legal change in France|date= 20 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/14/amendements/1808/AN/68.asp|title= Text of the amendment proposing the change}}</ref> Represented in the PEGI Council.
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Greece}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
|{{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Hungary}}
|Officially supports PEGI. Games rated PEGI 18 are exempt from carrying hungarian warning label "Not suitable for minors under 18" required by law on protecting minors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1997. évi CLV. törvény - Nemzeti Jogszabálytár |url=https://njt.hu/jogszabaly/1997-155-00-00.76#CI |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=njt.hu}}</ref>
|
|-
| {{flagu|Iceland}}
| PEGI is officially supported and age classifications are mandatory for video games by law.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.althingi.is/altext/stjt/2006.062.html|title= Icelandic Media Act (2006)}}</ref>
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Ireland}}
| PEGI ratings are exempt from mandatory classification by IFCO, which adopts PEGI. IFCO is still legally empowered to ban certain video game content from the market. Represented in the PEGI Council.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Italy}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
| {{flagu|Kosovo}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council.
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Latvia}}
| Officially supports PEGI, but there is no specific legislative basis.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Lithuania}}
| Lithuanian legislation has adopted PEGI which is exempt from mandatory classification with national age symbols. Both classifications are enforced by the penal code as of November 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.66BE5E9704D1|title= Legislative text specifying PEGI as the labelling system for video games in Lithuania}}</ref>
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Luxembourg}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
| 
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Malta}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, PEGI is the legally enforceable system for game classification in Malta since January 2016.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
| {{flagu|Moldova}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council.
|
|-
| {{flagu|Montenegro}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council.
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Netherlands}}
| PEGI is officially adopted and legislation is in place to enforce age classification in shops where video games are sold.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wetboek-online.nl/wet/Wetboek%20van%20Strafrecht/240a.html|title= Penal code text specifying enforcement of sales restriction of certain media content to minors}}</ref><ref>Government document outlining the role of PEGI in legal context: {{cite web|url= https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2013/07/22/betere-bescherming-van-jongeren-tegen-mogelijk-schadelijk-beeldmateriaal/lp-v-j-0000003814.pdf|title=Betere bescherming van jongeren tegen mogelijk schadelijk beeldmateriaal|publisher=Rijksoverheid|language=nl|trans-title=Better protection of youth against potentially harmful imagery|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611150331/https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2013/07/22/betere-bescherming-van-jongeren-tegen-mogelijk-schadelijk-beeldmateriaal/lp-v-j-0000003814.pdf |archive-date=11 June 2016}}</ref>
|
|-
| {{flagu|North Macedonia}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council.
|
|-
| {{flagu|Norway}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Poland}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Portugal}}
| PEGI has officially been adopted by the Portuguese Classification Board IGAC.<ref name="pegi_pt"/> Represented in the PEGI Council.

| [[Inspecção Geral das Actividades Culturais|IGAC]]
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Romania}}
| Officially supports PEGI, but there is no specific legislative basis.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
| {{flagu|Serbia}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council.
|
|-
|{{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Slovakia}}
|Officially supports PEGI, games which obtained PEGI rating are exempt from mandatory classification within national JSO rating system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Slov-Lex |url=https://www.slov-lex.sk/ezbierky/pravne-predpisy/SK/ZZ/2023/78/ |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.slov-lex.sk}}</ref>
|[[Video game content rating system#Slovakia|JSO]]
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Slovenia}}
| Officially supports PEGI, but there is no specific legislative basis.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Spain}}
|  Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Sweden}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council, but there is no specific legislative basis.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
|
|-
|{{flagu|Switzerland}}
|Officially supports PEGI and age classifications are mandatory. Classifications PEGI 16 and PEGI 18 are legal restrictions, other labels are recognized as age recommendation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jugendschutz: Filme und Videospiele |url=https://www.jugendundmedien.ch/experten-und-fachwissen/politik-recht/jugendschutz-filme-und-videospiele |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=www.jugendundmedien.ch |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Swiss federal government announcement |url=https://www.bsv.admin.ch/bsv/de/home/sozialpolitische-themen/kinder-und-jugendfragen/jugendschutz.html}}</ref>
|
|-
| {{flagu|Ukraine}}
| Officially supports PEGI and is represented in the PEGI Council.
|
|-
| {{flagu|United Kingdom}}
| Officially supports PEGI (PEGI is the legally enforceable system for game classification in the UK since 30 July 2012<ref>{{cite web|title=MCV: PEGI ratings come into force today|website=MCV|date=15 May 2019|url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business/pegi-games-ratings-come-into-force-today}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=BBC News: UK enforces PEGI video game ratings system|work=BBC News|date=30 July 2012|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-19042908}}</ref>). Represented in the PEGI Council.
|[[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]]
|}

=== Other countries ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="width: 155px;" | Country
! Status
! style="width: 120px;" | Local system
|-
| {{flagicon|EU}}{{flagu|Germany}}
| The [[Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle|USK]] system is adopted and enforced.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://usk.de/die-usk/arbeit-der-usk/wer-ist-die-usk/ |title=Wer ist und was macht die USK? |website=www.usk.de |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref> Games that are refused classification by the USK can be placed on the [[Federal Agency for Child and Youth Protection in the Media|BzKJ]] index.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://usk.de/die-usk/arbeit-der-usk/wann-erhalten-spiele-kein-usk-kennzeichen/ |title=Wann erhalten Spiele kein USK-Kennzeichen (USK) |website=www.usk.de |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref> PEGI is not recognised, although PEGI labelling can sometimes be found on retail games along with the USK rating, usually for titles printed for multiple markets. Not represented on the PEGI Council.<ref>https://pegi.info/page/pegi-organisation</ref>
| [[Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle|USK]]
|-
| {{Flagu|India}}
| Uses PEGI labels in almost all foreign & Indian published video games inside the country, and so do the publishers, but does not have an official legislative basis regarding PEGI, and is not represented in the PEGI council.<ref>See [[video games in India]] for more information.</ref>
|
|-
| {{flagu|Israel}}
| PEGI has been adopted by law as the mandatory classification system for video games in Israel since 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/israel-duty-to-label-computer-games/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109011721/https://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/israel-duty-to-label-computer-games/|archive-date=9 January 2016|url-status=live|title=Article detailing legal requirement to use PEGI in Israel|website=[[Library of Congress]]|access-date=29 December 2017}}</ref> Not represented on the PEGI Council.
|
|-
|  {{flagu|Russia}}
| RARS system adopted in 2012. All games, including imported, must have the RARS rating present.<ref>{{Cite act |script-chapter=ru:Общие требования к обороту информационной продукции |trans-chapter=General requirements for information products turnover |type=Federal Law |prefix=No |index=436-FZ <!--Федеральный закон № 436-ФЗ, ст. 11 --> |orig-section=art. 11 |date=29 December 2010 |reporter=Rossiĭskaia Gazeta |volume=297 |publication-date=31 December 2010 |jurisdiction=Russia |script-title=ru:О защите детей от информации, причиняющей вред их здоровью и развитию |trans-title=[[On Protecting Children from Information Harmful to Their Health and Development]] |chapter-url=https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_108808/b6ad93377c891ecf889a0b6262cb45ef1cd2479a/ |access-date=2024-04-26 <!--a professional legal website is a more reliable url than wikisource -- see e.g. amendment annotations--><!-- |wikisource= s:ru:Федеральный_закон_от_29.12.2010_№_436-ФЗ --> |language=ru}}</ref> PEGI labels were originally used prior to 2012, but were never officially recognised.
| RARS
|-
| {{Flagu|Turkey}}
| Uses PEGI labels in almost all foreign & Turkish published video games inside the country, and so do the publishers, but does not have an official legislative basis regarding PEGI, and is not represented in the PEGI council.<ref>''Foreign video games published for sale in Turkey are almost all published under European (And EU) licenses, including Turkish-published video games, and almost all are imported from Europe or the European Union, and thus having the PEGI labels on them though it is not officially supported by law. ''Those released under European licenses can be Turkish branches of the European publishers,(e.g Under a EU or other European based parent company.) -or just European publishers on their own which have the valid and certified (licensed) European licenses that are published with the sold items in Turkey, thus making it verified & certified. (And in case of warranty, all have it covered by a warranty as well.)The classification was semi-officially brought to Turkey in 2014 with a deal between private-owned TOGED (Game Developers Association of Turkey) and PEGI. Second-hand sold items in shops can have different labels, mostly such as the German USK. PEGI is also used while advertising video-games, and in the commercials.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=GoodGamers.biz |date=2017-11-06 |title=Turkish gamer youth to be informed by PEGI classification |url=https://goodgamers.biz/politics/turkish-gamer-youth-to-be-informed-by-pegi-classification/ |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=GoodGamers.biz |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>See [[video games in Turkey]] for more information.</ref>
|
|}

== Reception ==
=== Portrayals of gambling ===
Games containing minigames resembling [[casino game]]s and gambling may be subject to heightened ratings due to "12" being the minimum for the "Gambling" descriptor. A 2016 re-release of ''[[Pokémon Red and Blue]]'' for [[Nintendo 3DS]] received a "12" rating (despite receiving the "E" rating from the U.S.-based ESRB) due to its "Game Corner" feature, which includes [[slot machine]]s that can be played with in-game cash to earn coins redeemable for items. The European release of ''[[Pokémon Platinum]]'' (2009) was modified to remove the slot machines and replace them with non-interactive "game machines".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-08-31-pegi-responds-to-complaint-about-nba-2k20s-controversial-casino-trailer|title=PEGI responds to complaint about NBA 2K20's age-rating following casino trailer backlash|last=Yin-Poole|first=Wesley|date=2019-08-31|website=Eurogamer|language=en|access-date=2019-10-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/european-pokemon-platinums-missing-game-corner-explained/|title=European Pokemon Platinum's missing Game Corner explained|last=Towell |first=Justin|website=GamesRadar|date=9 June 2009|language=en|access-date=2019-10-25}}</ref> As of 2020, PEGI's policies regarding content that resemble casino games and gambling have gotten stricter, with new games featuring the "Simulated Gambling" content descriptor automatically receiving an "18" rating from that point forward.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robertson |first1=Andrew |title=PEGI Rating For Gambling Descriptor Is Now Always 18+ |url=https://www.askaboutgames.com/news/pegi-rating-for-gambling-is-now-always-18 |access-date=10 October 2023 |date=2 August 2021}}</ref>

In 2019, the [[basketball]] video game ''[[NBA 2K20]]'' received criticism for a trailer, focused on its "MyTeam" mode, which depicted chance-based minigames styled after casino games such as [[roulette]], slots and [[pachinko]]. The visuals were considered to be sensitive due to increasing controversy over use of "[[loot box]]" mechanics in video games.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wakeling |first1=Richard |title=NBA 2K20 Trailer Is Very Happy To Showcase Its Loot Boxes And Gambling Mechanics |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nba-2k20-trailer-is-very-happy-to-showcase-its-loo/1100-6469471/ |website=GameSpot}}</ref> After receiving an e-mail expressing concern over the trailer, PEGI clarified in response that the "Gambling" descriptor applies only to games that "teach" and "encourage" gambling, although admitting that the trailer's imagery may have been "too close for comfort" for some viewers, and that PEGI did not base its ratings decisions on singular trailers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-09-02-pegi-aware-that-nba-2k20-gambling-imagery-may-be-too-close-for-comfort|title=PEGI aware that NBA 2K20 gambling imagery may be "too close for comfort"|website=GamesIndustry.biz|date=2 September 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-10-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/31/20842468/nba-2k20-gambling-trailer-rating-loot-boxes-myteam |title=PEGI rating board explains why it didn't flag NBA 2K20 as gambling |last=Good |first=Owen S. |date=31 August 2019 |website=Polygon |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901010151/https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/31/20842468/nba-2k20-gambling-trailer-rating-loot-boxes-myteam |archive-date=1 September 2019 |access-date=10 October 2019}}</ref>

''[[Balatro (video game)|Balatro]]'', a [[roguelike deck-building game]], had its PEGI rating changed from 3+ to 18+ shortly after its February 2024 release due to perceived gambling imagery, and was pulled from some online stores.<ref name="balatro1">{{cite web |last1=Livingston |first1=Christopher |title=Poker-themed deckbuilder Balatro gets delisted from some stores after its PEGI rating absurdly jumps from 3 to 18+ over 'gambling imagery' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/card-games/poker-themed-deckbuilder-balatro-gets-delisted-from-some-stores-after-its-pegi-rating-absurdly-jumps-from-3-to-18-over-gambling-imagery/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=16 March 2024 |language=en |date=1 March 2024}}</ref> Playstack, the game's publisher, argued that while the game was based on [[poker]] and features [[List of poker hands|poker hands]], it does not feature or encourage gambling.<ref name="balatro1"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Wales |first1=Matt |title=Rogue-like poker hit Balatro pulled from sale in some countries due to unexpected ratings change |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/rogue-like-poker-hit-balatro-pulled-from-sale-in-some-countries-due-to-unexpected-ratings-change |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=1 March 2024 |language=en |date=1 March 2024}}</ref> ''Balatro'' was restored to the [[Nintendo eShop]] in Europe, Australia and New Zealand on 8 March with the higher 18+ rating.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hagues |first1=Alana |title=Balatro Back On Switch eShop In Europe With New Age Rating |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/03/balatro-back-on-switch-eshop-in-europe-with-new-age-rating |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=16 March 2024 |date=8 March 2024}}</ref> In a [[r/IAmA|Reddit AMA]], ''Balatro'' developer Localthunk criticised PEGI for re-rating the game after its release, writing "I still believe that the rating is unwarranted, but there is some gray area for interpretation from PEGI and at this point it is what it is. I think the one thing I am most disappointed by is the fact that other games with actual gambling mechanics aren't rated the same way because of their appearance/theme."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Catherine |title=Balatro dev "disappointed" actual gambling games "aren't rated the same way" after ratings boards grilled the roguelike for gambling mechanics that don't exist |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/balatro-dev-disappointed-actual-gambling-games-arent-rated-the-same-way-after-ratings-boards-grilled-the-roguelike-for-gambling-mechanics-that-dont-exist/ |website=gamesradar |access-date=16 March 2024 |language=en |date=15 March 2024}}</ref> PEGI reclassified ''Balatro'' as well as ''[[Luck Be a Landlord]]'', which, ''Balatro'' was inspired by, to PEGI 12 in February 2025, saying that the gambling aspects were mitigated by the fantasy nature of gameplay, and for future games, they will devise a more granular approach when considering gambling-like elements in games.<ref>{{cite web | title=Balatro wins formal appeal to reclassify poker game as PEGI 12 | website=[[Eurogamer]] | date=24 February 2025 | url=https://www.eurogamer.net/balatro-wins-formal-appeal-to-reclassify-poker-game-as-pegi-12 }}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Australian Classification Board|Australian Classification Board (ACB)]]
* [[Brazilian advisory rating system|Brazilian advisory rating system (ClassInd)]]
* [[Computer Entertainment Rating Organization|Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO)]]
* [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)]]
* [[Game Rating and Administration Committee|Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC)]]
* [[Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle|Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (USK)]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://pegi.info/}}
* [http://www.isfe.eu/ ISFE website]

{{Video game content rating systems|state=autocollapse}}

[[Category:European integration]]
[[Category:Information technology organizations based in Europe]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2003]]
[[Category:Pan-Europeanism|Game Information]]
[[Category:Video game content ratings systems]]
[[Category:Entertainment rating organizations]]
[[Category:2003 establishments in Europe]]