The Video Standards Council (VSC), a UK governmental body that has played a vital role in the regulation of video game content since its inception, has made a significant announcement. Starting from 2nd June 2023, it will be known as the Games Rating Authority (GRA), a change that it hopes will provide more clarity to parents, carers, and the gaming industry about its primary function.
The GRA will continue to shoulder the responsibility of issuing Pan European Game Information (PEGI) age ratings that feature on video games across approximately 40 European countries. This change of name is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the understanding of the organisation’s role and its commitment to ensuring the safety of video gaming content, especially as video games continue to expand their digital footprint.
The Director General of the GRA, Ian Rice, emphasised the importance of this transition in a recent statement. “As video games continue to move online, it’s more important than ever that parents and carers can find the information they need to make informed decisions about the games their children play. Changing our name to better reflect what we do will help people know where to come for trusted advice and information about video games.”
To facilitate this goal, the new GRA website (www.gamesratingauthority.org.uk) has been launched. It will serve as a comprehensive resource for parents and carers to look up game ratings and detailed information on the content of these games. Furthermore, the site will provide more general advice, such as guidance on the use of parental controls.
Since 2012, when it was appointed as the UK regulator for the age rating of video games supplied on physical media under the Video Recordings Act 1984, the VSC has evolved to take on a broader role. Besides its legal role, the newly christened GRA also serves as an administrator of the PEGI system. The PEGI ratings, in conjunction with the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC), are voluntarily applied to games and apps on various online storefronts in approximately 40 European countries, including the UK.
As the landscape of gaming continues to evolve, the rebranded GRA is well-placed to serve as a beacon of trust and understanding for parents, carers, and the gaming industry alike.
Time to Engage!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this rebranding. Will the new name help to clarify the function of this crucial body in the gaming industry? How might this change influence your gaming choices and preferences? Share your insights in the comments below or join the lively discussion in our Gaming.Buzz Community Discord.