PEGI is a self regulatory age rating system used in Europe since 2003 (aside from Germany) for games. Its implemented to warn people away from games that aren't appropriate for their age. For example, a child of 3 shouldn't be playing a game labeled as PEGI 18.
There are different ages, which allow and don't allow certain aspects. For example:
PEGI 3
Games labeled PEGI 3 allow small amount of comical violence, like old cartoons like Tom & Jerry, which have slapstick and over exaggerated conflict. There also shouldn't be real life characters for children to associate with, as many young children will be playing these games. Everything must be fantasy so that wrong impressions are not given to children, as at age 3 they are learning and growing rapidly, and starting to understand the world around them. This also means no sounds or images that may frighten children.
PEGI 7
This is essentially an expanded version of PEGI 3. at age 7 a child is more mature and able to understand more about the world around them. This means some frightening sounds and images may be used, keeping in mind that the game is still child friendly.
PEGI 12
These games show slightly more graphic violence towards fantasy characters, but nothing overly graphic. They can some forms of nudity, but not overly graphic. Some explicit language is allowed, but must be mild and not be sexually explicit.
PEGI 16
This rating includes more graphic violence and can be more realistic in its representation. Games in this category also include drug and tobacco use, and the depiction of criminal activities.
PEGI 18
This rating is the highest, and includes the most violent and graphic depictions of all the other ratings. Most of it is subjective, although the general meaning is that the level of violence makes the viewer feel a sense of revulsion.
There are different warning that are put on the backs of games to warn people about aspects of games. These include:
- Bad Language
- Discrimination
- Drugs
- Fear
- Gambling
- Sex
- Violence
- Online Gameplay
All of these on top of the PEGI ratings are used to determine what age games are appropriate for. Without this system, young, impressionable children could end up playing games like GTA and believing everything depicted in it.