User protection
The College of Psychologists of Madrid warns that abusive or excessive use of video games can cause anxiety, irritability and sleep problems.
About video game addiction
Addiction to video games is problematic because of its relationship with gambling and because it mainly affects young people. It is a growing problem that is represented by MMORPG environments, where players isolate themselves from real life and become obsessed with their online activity and the shared virtual world.
Addiction expert José José Antonio Molina, a member of the Madrid College of Psychologists says that addiction to games has psychological symptoms similar to those caused by alcohol and drugs. "In minors it causes academic problems and less relationships with friends", in this way Molina summarizes what he considers an addiction when it has negative consequences.
Several of the symptoms that can cause this addiction to video games can be found: obsession, tolerance, loss of control, withdrawal syndrome, ignorance of the negative consequences or denial of reality.
There are several studies, focusing on certain age groups, certain games, certain countries, etc. The numbers of people showing signs of this type of addiction are between 2.4% and 40%.
In order to have more control over video games, PEGI provides age ratings for video games in European countries. The age ratings confirm that the game is suitable for players of a certain age. PEGI considers the age appropriateness of a game, not the level of difficulty. There are two levels of information as a guide: PEGI age labels or content descriptors.
What do the PEGI age labels mean?
PEGI 3
The content of PEGI 3 games is considered suitable for all age groups. The game must not contain any sounds or images that may frighten children. A very mild form of violence (in a comical context or in a children's environment) is acceptable. Obscene language should not be heard.
PEGI 7
Game content with scenes or sounds that may frighten young children should be included in this category. Very mild forms of violence (implied, non-detailed or unrealistic) are acceptable for games with a PEGI 7 rating.
PEGI 12
Video games that show slightly more graphic violence against fictional characters or unrealistic violence against human characters would fall into this age category. There may be sexual allusions or attitudes, while any vulgar language in this category should be tasteless. There may also be gambling, as it usually takes place in real life in casinos or arcades (e.g. card games that in real life would be played for money).
PEGI 16
This rating is applied once the depiction of violence (or sexual activity) reaches a level similar to what would be expected in real life. The use of bad language in games rated PEGI 16 may be more extreme, while gambling and the use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs may also be present.
PEGI 18
The adult classification applies when violence reaches such a level that it becomes a depiction of brutal violence, murder for no apparent reason, or violence against defenseless characters. The glamorization of illegal drug use and explicit sexual activity should also be included in this age category.
Content Descriptors
The game contains depictions of violence. In games rated PEGI 7, this may only be non-realistic or non-detailed violence. Games rated PEGI 12 may include violence in a fantasy setting or unrealistic violence against human-like characters, while games rated PEGI 16 or 18 have increasingly realistic violence.
The game contains obscene language. This descriptor can be found in games with PEGI 12 (swearing), PEGI 16 (e.g. sexual swearing or swearing) or PEGI 18 (e.g. sexual swearing or swearing).
This descriptor may appear in PEGI 7 rated games if they contain images or sounds that may frighten or scare young children, or in PEGI 12 games with scary sounds or horror effects (but no violent content).
The game contains elements that encourage or teach gambling. These simulated gambling games refer to games normally played in casinos or gambling halls. Games with this type of content are PEGI 12, PEGI 16 or PEGI 18.
This content descriptor may be combined with a PEGI 12 rating if the game includes sexual poses or allusions, a PEGI 16 rating if there is erotic nudity or sex without visible genitalia, or a PEGI 18 rating if there is explicit sexual activity in the game. Depictions of nudity in non-sexual content do not require an age-specific rating and this descriptor would not be necessary.
The game refers to or depicts the use of illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco. Games with this content descriptor are always PEGI 16 or PEGI 18.
The game contains depictions of ethnic, religious, nationalistic or other stereotypes that may encourage hatred. This content is always limited to a PEGI 18 rating (and may violate national criminal laws).
