The statistics, which came to light as a result of a written answer to a question by a Parliament member in the House of Commons yesterday, indicate that only four games in the past five years have been refused BBFC classification. All four instance occurred in 2007, and Rockstar's Manhunt 2 for the Wii, PS2, PC, and PSP could very well account for all four. and those were all reviewed and granted classification the next year.

In contrast, thirteen films have been refused since 2005. TIGA CEO Dr Richard Wilson finds this data very telling.

"There have been hardly any instances of the BBFC refusing classification for video games. In fact, during the past five years, there have only been four games deemed unfit or unsuitable for classification, as opposed to 13 films – more than three times the amount of games. It is important that these facts are placed in the public domain as they clearly counter some of the unfair stereotypes about video games."

Of course, for a more accurate idea of the film versus movie ratings ratio we'd have to know how many movies versus games passed through the BBFC ratings procedures during the reported years, but the data we have is good enough for a forum argument.

That's how the British Board of Film Classification describes the potentially objectionable content in next week's downloadable episode for the Xbox 360 version of Grand Theft Auto IV. The potentially spoiler-filled rundown, as spotted by Eurogamer, is full of things that just might give you the vapors, the likes of which you've never seen in your computer games, I mean, my goodness.

The BBFC's saucy description of the naughtiness of Gay Tony reads notes sex scenes that are "quite strong, but always masked and the characters concerned are invariably fully clothed" meaning no nudity.

However, "In cut scenes the Luis Lopez character is seen to be on the receiving end of oral sex (slumped on a chair with a woman's head buried in his lap). The same character engages in sexual intercourse on at least two different occasions. For example he stands between a woman's raised legs and thrusts into her and he also bends a woman over a desk and thrusts into her from the rear." How ribald!

Of course, there's mention of the salty language, excessive violence and the flaccid penises that you may also take offense to, but that's all *yawn* pretty much expected at this point. But that thrusting! It sounds so delicious.

EPISODES FROM LIBERTY CITY - GRAND THEFT AUTO THE LOST AND DAMNED - GRAND THEFT AUTO THE BALLAD OF GAY TONY [BBFC]

I've got no idea where, exactly, but it's been revealed that during a playthrough of the game for its classification last year, the British Board of Film Classification "discovered an apparent recipe for the manufacture of the drug crystal meth", which prompted "crisis talks with Rockstar" over their inclusion.

It was only after Rockstar informed the BBFC that the recipe was "inaccurate" that it was allowed to stay in the game, and the title could go on sale to the public.

Any of you ever find this? I'd be curious to see what the recipe actually does cook up (if it cooks up anything at all). Brownies, perhaps?

Three men get sole rating power for computer games [The Times]

The war has been long and hard, with the BBFC contending that a local board would be more in-tune with the needs of Britain's children, and the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) contending that all of Europe should be governed by the PEGI system for the sake of presenting clear, uniform ratings across the continent. The decision came today from the UK's Department of Culture, Media and Sport, after poring over the Byron Review for ages.

ELSPA was understandably pleased with the decision, issuing the following formal statement from its Director General, Mike Rawlinson:

"The Government has made absolutely the right decision for child safety. By choosing PEGI as the single classification system in the UK, British children will now get the best possible protection when playing videogames either on a console or on the internet. Parents can be assured that they will have access to clear, uniform ratings on games and an accurate understanding of game content.

Today's decision will ensure that games ratings stay relevant and adapt to the changing nature of videogames for many years to come. Retailers will now have clear, legal backing to help them prevent access to unsuitable content by children.

We will work closely with the Government, the Video Standards Council and the BBFC to ensure a smooth and rapid transition to this new ratings system."

The BBFC issued its own statement following the decision, basically saying that they'd support the decision but don't necessarily like it.

"We have argued consistently that any games classification system needs to put child protection at its heart. It must involve consultation with the British public, command their trust, and reflect their sensibilities. It must take account of tone and context and be carried out by skilled and knowledgeable examiners. It needs to involve the provision of full, helpful and carefully weighed information to parents and the public more generally. It must have the power and will to reject or intervene in relation to unacceptable games or game elements. It should make a substantial contribution to media education, for example through dedicated websites and through work with pupils, students and teachers. It must be speedy and cost effective. It must have the capabilities to monitor online gameplay and to attract new members to online classification schemes. And it must be independent in substance as well as appearance, reaching its decisions and providing information on the basis of its own detailed assessments.

"The BBFC has always supported PEGI and wished it well, but it continues to believe that it satisfies these requirements better than PEGI. However, it will cooperate fully in the detailed work needed to give effect to the Government's decision. And it must be independent in substance as well as appearance, reaching its decisions and providing information on the basis of its own detailed assessments."

Following those comments, ELSPA returned with a press release detailing comments from various members of the industry, showing off the fact that the PEGI system is loved and the BBFC should cry more. Here are said comments:

David Yarnton, UK General Manager, Nintendo, said: "The Government has made the right decision. The PEGI age rating system is right for the protection of children as it is designed specifically for games and interactive content.
"As a global company we welcome the decision as mature and intelligent as it works across some 30 international territories."

Rob Cooper, Managing Director, Ubisoft UK, said: "The adoption of PEGI as the rating system for games is a good decision. The PEGI system is future-proof, delivering effective child protection now and in the future. PEGI Online is a key component of the system, ensuring that the government does not have to re-assess the entire system once again in 12 months time."

Mike Hayes, President and CEO, Sega Europe, said: "This is an important decision for the UK public. PEGI is the only system that has the power to prevent games publishers distributing unsuitable content to children."

Keith Ramsdale, Vice President and General Manager, EA UK, Ireland and Nordics, said: ‘"We welcome the government's decision. PEGI is the right choice to protect children from inappropriate gaming content, and best suited to continue to do so in the future as interactive entertainment moves increasingly online.
"We applaud this collaboration between government and industry to find the best solution for consumers and for the UK marketplace."

Andy Payne, Managing Director, Mastertronic Group Ltd and Chairman, ELSPA, said: "This is the right decision for the UK consumer. The PEGI system is specifically built for interactive content both on and offline and is recognised throughout Europe. In a connected digital world, implementing age rating standards that are understood across traditional frontiers will protect children from unsuitable content and help to educate parents at the same time."

Neil Thompson, Senior Regional Director UK & Ireland Entertainment & Devices Division, Microsoft, said "This is the right decision, the most important issue to be considered is that of child safety. A single PEGI system is by far the best means of promoting child safety; given the fact that PEGI is used for offline and online games in 29 countries across Europe. In a globalised market where children can play video games online across borders, this decision will provide clarity and consistency in deciding what games are appropriate for children and in enforcing those decisions – now and in the future".

So everyone is happy, with the possible exception of the British Board of Film Classification, who are probably penciling in several sulking sessions to take place over the following weeks. Meanwhile, at ELSPA, it's pizza party time!

Rating a ten-year-old PlayStation game isn't typically the kind of thing the British Board of Film Classification does these days, so we're guessing that the Wii and PSP remake rumor holds some water. The BBFC "15" rating issued today doesn't spill any details, other than that the game "Contains strong violence." It doesn't list platforms or developer.

It does, however, list a slew of scenes from the game reviewed by the BBFC. These include titles like "BAD ENDING PT.2" and "HARRY, CYBIL, AND DAHLIA" but nothing that jumps out as new or different from the original Silent Hill.

Silent Hill: Origins developer Climax was previously pegged to be handling platform translation duties, bringing the 1999 psychological horror adventure to the Wii and PlayStation Portable.

We wonder if Konami is taking a page from Capcom's playback, readying a series of Wii remakes along the lines of the Resident Evil cash-ins. If they do right by Silent Hill, let's hope so.

Silent Hill [BBFC]

Later builds of the game showed a variety of races as the zombies, but several website reported that some of questionable imagery remained. Both Eurogamer and Kikizo described a scene depicting "a white blonde woman being dragged off, screaming, by black men."

Apparently, the version of the game submitted to the British Board of Film Classification did not contain this potentially offensive scene. Sue Clark, Head of Communications at the British Board of Film Classification, explains, "In the version [of the scene] submitted to the BBFC there is only one man pulling the blonde woman in from the balcony, and I can't say the skimpiness of her dress impressed itself on me. The single man is not black either. As the whole game is set in Africa it is hardly surprising that some of the characters are black, just like the fact that some of the characters in an earlier version were Spanish as the game was set in Spain."

The BBFC states that it does take racism "very seriously"; however, it added that the version of RE5 is not racist. "As I said yesterday, we do take racism very seriously," said Clark, "but in this case there is no issue around racism."

BBFC Rubbishes Resident Evil Racism Claims [Kikizo via Eurogamer]

Developer Platinum Games worked closely with America's ESRB to ensure the game would not be cut or altered. MadWorld mandarts onto Wiis this March.

BBFC passes MadWorld with no cuts [GamesIndustry via GamePro]

More than two hours of cinematics gives Chinatown Wars some heft and strengthens the perception this is going to be a very serious game for the DS. If you're curious, in the U.S., there are six titles for the DS to get a Mature rating. They are : C.O.R.E. (upcoming) and Theresia (2008); Ultimate Mortal Kombat, Dementium: The Ward, and Touch the Dead from 2007; and Resident Evil: Deadly Silence, from 2006. The highest rated of those, on Metacritic, was Dementium, to "mixed or average reviews." So a good GTA game will indeed break ground on this platform.

Also, on this side of the pond, the ESRB rated four titles for WiiWare and the Virtual Console, including Punch-Out for the Wii, which means it might be on the way sooner rather than later. And it might be paired with Super Punch-Out!!, which was rated for the VC.

GTA: Chinatown Wars first DS Game to Get 18 Rating from BBFC, has 168 Minutes of Cut Scenes [QJ.net via Cubed3]
ESRB Rates Upcoming Virtual Console and WiiWare Titles [Nintendo World Report via Codename Revolution]

The 30 page report details the advantages of the PEGI rating system and the recent 'traffic light' labels compared to allowing games to be rated by the British Board Of Film Classification.

“The correct solution is for the Government to accept the PEGI system is the best way for games to be rated and classified – and empower it with legal status in the UK," said ELSPA's Michael Rawlinson, "establishing a means in which some games, if necessary, can be banned."

PEGI ratings could be legal standard by 2010 [MCV]

Manhunt 2 was of course originally denied classification by the BBFC, after which Rockstar appealed, won the appeal, after which the BBFC appealed, then lost, and basically just wasted everyone's time until no one cared anymore, which only took about a week. Congratulations, Rockstar!

Manhunt 2 finally gets UK release date [GamesIndustry.biz]

I've been so intrigued by the debate that I recently commissioned a freelancer to tackle the story, talking to both sides, and the ESRB, about the issues at hand and why both feel they should be the one left in charge.

After an interview with the British Board of Film Classification our writer reached out to PEGI for a similar interview, only to be asked to hand over the transcript of the BBFC interview and questioned on Kotaku's support of PEGI.

It seems that the PR agency handling PEGI is willing to set up an interview, but only if we side with them. The full letter, minus the names, on the jump.

Hi XXXX,

Thanks for this.

Is there any way that we could have confirmation from Kotaku’s editor that he supports PEGI – that way it might ease the way to getting an interview set up. Also, can you find out to me how many unique hits Kotaku gets in the UK. The reason is ELSPA may come back and say Kotaku is just US based. The fact that Kotaku is a US blog might make things tough – just trying to help set this up. J

Also if you could provide the transcript for the BBFC interview that’d be useful.

Finally, do you have the full contact details of Kotaku’s editor – as we currently have nothing (name, email, tel, postal address)

Best regards,
XXXX

“A linear ratings system like the one the BBFC uses is designed for films with a beginning, middle and end where the outcome is always the same. It just can’t cope with the infinite variety and complexity of modern video games, and the interaction between players.

Jackson goes on to site instances where games rated 18 by PEGI are downgraded by the BBFC to BBFC 15 or 12 ratings. Come on Britain, just go ahead and adopt PEGI completely already. Open up to it. No country is an island.

Industry Expert Calls On The Government To Adopt PEGI To Future-Proof Computer Games Ratings
ELSPA director general addresses the Labour Party Conference

Monday 22nd September/... Paul Jackson, director general of ELSPA, the Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association, has told the government that the BBFC is ‘not fit for purpose’ as a ratings system for computer games. Speaking at a fringe event at the Labour Party conference today, Mr Jackson called on the audience to support the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) system, which he said is the only ratings classification that has the power to prevent game publishers distributing unsuitable content to children. Mr Jackson explained to the audience that there is currently a two-tier system in the UK for rating computer games which everyone finds confusing. Under this system, games are rated under PEGI, which has been adopted across Europe. It is based on standards developed by child safety and games experts who understand games, their impact, their playability and their individuality.

However, there is also, uniquely in the UK, a second rating system run by BBFC, the film classification board who have limited jurisdiction over games ratings via the Video Recordings Act.

According to Mr Jackson: “A linear ratings system like the one the BBFC uses is designed for films with a beginning, middle and end where the outcome is always the same. It just can’t cope with the infinite variety and complexity of modern video games, and the interaction between players.

“There is a simple proof of this already available. The film ratings board continually downgrades games classified 18 by PEGI. They go to BBFC 15 or even BBFC 12. History shows us that BBFC ratings – and the UK – would regularly be out of step with our European neighbours.”

Mr Jackson also explained that the PEGI ratings system would be the most suitable to handle the increase in online gaming. With more and more children playing computer games online against peers all over the world, it is more important than ever to ensure that they are safe while they do so.

Mr Jackson argues that PEGI is the only system with online credibility: “As well as being quick and simple to follow as a ratings system, it is very easily scalable to cope with the rapid growth in online games and add-ons.”

PEGI is supported by the majority of the computer games industry, which argues that it is the right tool for the job, as opposed to the BBFC system, which was developed to rate film, rather than game, content.

The industry believes that PEGI is the ideal system for protecting children from unsuitable content both today and in the future.

PEGI represents the “gold standard” today, and will undoubtedly be the best system for tomorrow. PEGI is clearly the only ratings system which has the power to prevent game publishers distributing unsuitable content to children, online and offline. Only PEGI fully assesses all games content. It is designed specifically for interactive software. It understands games and their potential for infinite variations. That’s why it is backed by the vast majority of the computer games industry.

And it's not only the ELSP that supports PEGI, but also Nintendo UK, Ubisoft UK, SEGA of Europe and EA UK, Ireland and Nordics. Hit the jump for comments from each of those companies:

David Yarnton, UK General Manager of Nintendo, said: “The PEGI age ratings system is favoured by Nintendo. It has the ability to assess and rate all game content and does not rely on a sample of game play to form its decisions. The fact that there is also an EC proposal for member states to adopt PEGI only adds further weight to the solid arguments and facts for its UK adoption as the sole system of choice for games ratings.”

Rob Cooper, Managing Director of Ubisoft UK, said:“The PEGI system is future proof. It’s as simple as that. It is a self-regulation system that is operated by experts that are best qualified and experienced to do the job. As an international business selling games across the World, we urge Government to understand the depth of importance of this decision as we enter a period in which games will grow exponentially.”

Mike Hayes, President and CEO of Sega Europe, said:“If you look at the PEGI system against the film ratings board in the UK, you will see that PEGI is the only system that has the power to prevent games publishers distributing unsuitable content to children. It can ban a publisher’s entire output, rather than just a single title. This power is backed by the entire industry.”

Keith Ramsdale, Vice President and General Manager of EA UK, Ireland and Nordics, said:“The Government’s proposed changes will create extra administration and cause delays in getting hit games into the hands of British consumers. Only PEGI is built to address the fast changing nature of the games industry and is best placed to deliver the needed protection for minors.”

Those are some big companies in PEGI's corner.

GAMES INDUSTRY CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO EMBRACE PEGI AS SINGLE GAMES AGE RATINGS SYSTEM [MCVUK]

“We are disappointed and concerned about attempts by one or two video games publishers to pre-empt, through recent press statements, the forthcoming public consultation on video games classification. Their statements are misleading in several respects:

The BBFC’s current average turnaround time for games classifications is eight calendar days. In terms of international comparisons, this is notably quick. There is no reason why the increased role for the BBFC envisaged by Dr Byron should lead to delays.

Cooke goes on to explain that the BBFC is fast, efficient, and more than capable of dealing with games both online and off in a timely fashion. Hit the jump for the full statement without delay.

BBFC REJECTS CRITICISM OF BYRON GAMES CLASSIFICATION PROPOSALS

The BBFC’s Director, David Cooke, today rejected criticisms from some quarters of the games industry of the Byron Report proposals for games industry.

He said:

“We are disappointed and concerned about attempts by one or two video games publishers to pre-empt, through recent press statements, the forthcoming public consultation on video games classification. Their statements are misleading in several respects:

The BBFC’s current average turnaround time for games classifications is eight calendar days. In terms of international comparisons, this is notably quick. There is no reason why the increased role for the BBFC envisaged by Dr Byron should lead to delays.

BBFC classifications are already cheaper for many games than those under the Pan European Games Information System (PEGI). Because the BBFC currently deals mainly with the most problematic games, BBFC costs will fall if, as Dr Byron recommended, we take on all games, physical and online, rated ‘12’ and above.

It is absurd to imply that the BBFC could not cope, or would need “a building the size of Milton Keynes”. The BBFC is a larger and better resourced organisation than PEGI, and is well used to gearing up, and to providing fast-track services where appropriate.

We reject any suggestions that the Byron proposals for dealing with online games are not future-proof. Countries such as the USA and Germany already classify such games in a way which reflects national cultural sensibilities. The BBFC has made clear that we are prepared to work through PEGI Online, which already recognizes BBFC symbols. But, with online games, the real need is not a pan-national grouping of markets, but rather soundly based and independent initial classification, full information provision, and responsible self-regulation of online game-play backed by properly resourced independent monitoring and complaints mechanisms.

“The games industry really does have nothing to fear from a set of proposals which would provide more robust, and fully independent, decisions, and detailed content advice, for the British public, and especially parents. The Byron proposals, far from envisaging the collapse of PEGI, specifically provide for a continuing PEGI presence in UK games classification. They also provide significant opportunities to reduce duplication of effort and costs. And they would make wider use of a system, the BBFC’s, which British parents recognize, trust and have confidence in.”

Starting in July, the government will work on proposing Britain's classification system, and propose changes by 2009. Another phase of the plan will involve agreeing on a classification for online games, launching an awareness campaign for game ratings, developing appropriate parental controls in conjunction with the industry, and working with Trading Standards to ensure that games don't get sold to kids of an age inappropriate to the ratings.

This is the sort of mutual-interest collaboration that seems to work a little better than some of the contentious and pricey (and ultimately unsuccessful) litigious efforts we often see in the States.

The sticking point remains the recommendation that the ratings system should favor the BBFC over PEGI - thereby resulting in further UK release delays, as we reported earlier.

Government publishes Byron Review action plan [GamesIndustry.biz]

"The government's proposed changes to the existing age rating systems will create further delays in getting hit games to the UK," he said. "An extra and unnecessary layer of administration beyond a single system slows the process, and that delay will get passed on to the players themselves."

If you ask me the UK just needs to have the whole shebang handled by PEGI and be done with it, but that isn't a very British way of doing things. Why they have to go and make things so complicated?

New ratings system could delay UK releases [Eurogamer]

METAL GEAR SOLID 4 is a third person tactical/stealth game. The player takes on the role of an aging soldier, Snake who can be armed with knives, guns and grenades. The game has been classified '15' for strong violence.

During battles enemy soldiers die with small puffs of blood. The weaponry includes petrol bombs, however there is no detailed portrayal of injuries. During cut scenes slightly more detailed violence is portrayed, such as enemy creatures spearing friendly soldiers and one protracted fist fight.

The violence is generally undetailed. At 15 BBFC Guidelines state that 'Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury'. It is possible for the player to progress stealthily through the game, avoiding violent confrontations where possible.

The game also features one use of strong language and references to suicide and an implied child rape.

Eds Note: We contacted Kojima Productions' Ryan Payton, who offered this insight: "There is no mention of rape in the game. There is mention of child trauma, which is probably why they added 'implied.'"

MGS4 Spolier Alert [BBFC Thanks, Henry!]

During gameplay the character can pick up prostitutes... What follows is an un-detailed portrayal of masturbation, fellatio and intercourse. The character can also visit lap dancing clubs and request a private dance.