BBFC launches online ratings system - games industry quiet

Following our report on the British Board of Film Classification's plans for online ratings backon 2nd April, the organisation has finally launched the new voluntary online ratings scheme today, developed in conjunction withthe British Video Association.
The BBFC will extend its widely-recognised age -ratinglabels to digital movie downloads and videogames distributed via the internet, set-topboxes, games consoles or mobiles to “bring the benefits of the DVDclassification system to the world of downloads and the internet.”
“There is currently little independent classification ofdownloadable or streaming video content, either on the internet or delivered byvideo-on-demand services and via set-top-boxes,” claims the BBFC.
“This is in spite of independent research that indicatesthat 63 per cent of adults (74 per cent of parents) are concerned aboutdownloading video material which does not come with independent content adviceand labelling.”
Familiar symbols, sound advice
Speaking at today’s launch event, David Cooke, Director ofthe BBFC said: “We are extremely pleased to have been able to work with thevideo industry to develop a scheme that will give online consumers the sameassurance that our symbols and content information provide for cinema films,DVDs and video games. I am particularly pleased by the support and commitmentfrom the industry for this voluntary scheme.
“Consumers considering buying into the world of downloadswill be able to rely on our familiar symbols and advice, to decide which filmsor video games are suitable for them and their children. They will also be assured that the filmmakers and download services in the scheme are keen to ensure their customersget genuine independent information about the digital films or games on offer.”
Culture Minister Margaret Hodge added: “The introduction ofthe BBFC system for online film downloads will provide some welcome clarity forconsumers, to help them gain greater confidence that their purchases areappropriate before they commit themselves. I hope to see more studiossign up to the scheme.”
Warner, Disney, Fox sign up
The BBFC has confirmed that media companies that havealready signed up to BBFC Online include Warner Bros, 20th Century Fox and WaltDisney Studios Home Entertainment Europe.
Anthony Peet, Managing Director of Walt Disney Studios HomeEntertainment said: "WDSHE is delighted to show its support for thisinitiative. We believe it is important to ensure that content in the digitalspace is as clearly labelled and classified as that of a physical copy. Thisscheme offers users the reassurance on the legitimacy and appropriateness ofthe content they would like to enjoy. This is very positive step for theindustry."
Games industry remains quiet
Over 700 videos currently have ‘online certificates’, whichthe BBFC estimates should rise to about 1000 by the end of the month, but whatof downloadable videogames?
Interestingly, while the movie industry seems to be givingits full support to BBFC online, there is, as yet, no official response from thegames industry about the initiative.
While the BBFC makes a point in its press release today thatthe BBFC Online initiative will extend to downloadable games, the organisation hasyet to show which games companies are supporting this.
As reported on Guardian