PEGI to become UK law on July 23rd [UPDATED]

UPDATE:

UKIE has issued a statement to clarify that the July 23rd date could change. The process for getting PEGI into law has been long-fought and hit various important administrative delays, so the association is warning that the legislation involved may impact proceedings.

UKIE CEO, Jo Twist said: "The latest date that we have for PEGI implementation is July 23rd. Although we are not expecting any further hold ups, it is still technically possible for this date to change due to the legislative processes involved. We shall be confirming the date at the soonest possible opportunity and in the meantime we will be holding PEGI briefing sessions to make sure that games businesses are fully aware of what the changes to PEGI mean for them."

ORIGINAL STORY:

The pan-European PEGI games ratings will be made legally enforceable in just a matter of weeks.

An update from trade body UKIE today says the ratings will become law on July 23rd.

There has been a number of delays around getting the self-regulation marks to become a legal requirement – abolishing the BBFC’s remit over games – for sometime.

It was first recommended that the PEGI labels were made law five years ago.

But the UK Government started to process to legally endorse PEGI when parliament reconvened last month.

UKIE – previously known as ELSPA – and its members have been on a campaign to see the legal process through.

Not only that, they will also kick off a range of promotional efforts to raise awareness about the ratings to the public.

Making PEGI law would mean that retailers could face prosecution or a fine if selling 12, 16 and 18 rated games to those under those ages.