A new study recently commissioned by the UK games industry has suggested parents don't bother reading warning labels on games to see if the game may or may not be suitable for children.The study suggests that parents have little concern about the ratings of games and instead, make up their own minds whether or not a game is appropriate for their children.
The issue of violent games was raised when one couple tried to blame the game 'Manhunt' for their 14-year-old child's death. Police though, dismissed these claims after coming to the conclusion that Manhunt was not an influence in the case.
Parents perceive age ratings as a guide but not as a definite prohibition
Jurgen Freund, Modulum
But the case rekindled the debate over 18-rated games that appeared to relish in gore and carnage.
Like movies, all games receive an age classification. This works through a two-tier system involved the British Board of Film Classification and a voluntary European setup known as Pegi.
But the research presented at the Elspa (Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association) summit in London suggests that few parents pay much attention to the age ratings.
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