Government to Act Immediately on Byron Review

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Byron Proposals Concern ELSPA

By Tom Ivan

The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association is “concerned” about a number of the recommendations put forward in the Byron Review, including the proposal that the BBFC be charged with rating games from 12+ upwards.
While director general Paul Jackson (pictured) said that ELSPA believes in one legally enforceable system for the classification of videogames, and backs the move to build increased public awareness of the age ratings system and the availability and use of parental controls on all games consoles, the body was not without concerns following the publication of the Byron Review.


“We are concerned that the proposals as they stand may struggle to keep up with the public’s increasing desire to buy and play on-line,” Jackson said in a statement.


“The games industry would need to be re-assured that the British Board of Film Classification would be capable of delivering against any new remit, or whether PEGI may be more appropriate."


Earlier on Thursday the BBFC said it was “ready and able” to take on the extra work outlined in Dr Tanya Byron’s report, which would involve the body rating games from 12+ upwards, as opposed to the current system which dictates that it only rates games that depict gross violence or sexual activity.


"We welcome the news that the Government wishes to consult with the industry on any changes to the classification system," Jackson added. ”“We look forward to working very closely with Government over the next few months to address these concerns as the implications of the review are fully understood.”