PEGI ( ), short for Pan-European Game Information, is a European video game content rating system established to help European consumers make informed decisions when buying video games or apps through the use of age recommendations and content descriptors. It was developed by the Interactive Software Federation of Europe (now Video Games Europe) and came into use in April 2003, replacing many national age rating systems with a single European system.
The administration, monitoring and further development of the PEGI system are the responsibility of PEGI s.a., a not-for-profit company incorporated under Belgian law which pursues a social purpose.
The PEGI system is now used in 36 countries and is based on a code of conduct, a set of rules to which every publisher using the PEGI system is contractually committed. PEGI self-regulation is composed by five age categories and nine content descriptors that advise the suitability of a game for a certain age range based on the game's content. The age rating is not intended to indicate the difficulty of the game or the skill required to play it.
Age ratings
PEGI has six age categories. Rating Description PEGI 3 rating is used on games which content is considered suitable for all age groups. PEGI 3 games shouldn't contain bad language or content that is considered to be too frightening to young children. Any depicted violence should be very mild and depicted in a comical context or a childlike setting. Games with PEGI 7 rating may contain content that can be seen as frightening to younger children. Violence depicted in implied, non-detailed or non-realistic way is acceptable. As of July 2026, will also include games "play by appointment", such as daily or weekly quests. Games with PEGI 12 rating can include violence depicted in a slightly more graphic nature towards fantasy characters or non-realistic violence towards human-like characters. They may contain sexual innuendos, sexual posturing or mild bad language. As of July 2026, will also include games with time- or quantity-limited in-game purchasable content. PEGI 16 rating is applied on games with a realistic depiction of violence or sexual activity, more extreme use of bad language, usage of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs. As of July 2026, will also include games with purchasable random items like loot boxes. PEGI 18 classification is applied on games with violence depicted in a way that can be seen as gross or towards defenceless characters. Content may also contain apparently motiveless killing. The rating also applies when illegal drugs, simulation of gambling or explicit sexual activity is glamorised. As of July 2026, will also include games with entirely unrestricted communication features and block chain or NFT purchasing features. In addition to age ratings, there is a special rating represented by an exclamation point labeled "Parental Guidance Recommended". These contents are available for all ages, but it is recommended that parents (mostly with children who are under the age of 18) supervise activities within the program.
Content descriptions In addition to the above ratings, PEGI also uses nine content descriptors:
Current Icon Content descriptor Active since Explanation Corresponding age ratings Bad Language 2003 The game contains bad language. This descriptor can be found on games with a PEGI 12 (mild swearing), PEGI 16 or PEGI 18 rating (e.g. sexual expletives or blasphemy). Discrimination 2003 The game contains depictions of ethnic, religious, nationalistic or other stereotypes deemed likely to encourage hatred. This content is always restricted to a PEGI 18 rating (and may infringe national criminal laws). As of , only five titles have this descriptor: two expansions for Postal 2 – Share the Pain (2004) and Apocalypse Weekend (classified 2005); Original War (classified 2004); Patriots: A Nation Under Fire (2006); and SWAT: Target Liberty (2007, the only PSP title to do that). Drugs 2003 The game refers to or depicts the use of illegal drugs, narcotics, alcohol or tobacco. Games with this content descriptor are rated either PEGI 16 or PEGI 18. Fear/Horror 2003 The Fear descriptor may appear on games with a PEGI 7 if they contain pictures or sounds that may be frightening or scary to young children. The Horror descriptor may appear on PEGI 12 or PEGI 16 games with horror sound effects or images, but not necessarily any violent content. Although PEGI's official website states that only games rated PEGI 7 may carry the Fear descriptor as of 2024, it also lists three titles previously rated PEGI 12 – Road to India (classified 2007), Ultima VII Complete (classified 2013) and the hidden object game collection Grim Tales: (2017) – as well as the PEGI 16 title ABE VR (2016) as displaying the Fear descriptor instead of Horror. Fear: Horror: Gambling 2003 The game contains elements that reference or simulate gambling. References include games with prominent themes to gambling. Simulations of gambling refer to games of chance that are normally carried out in casinos or gambling halls. As of 2026, games that contain gambling themes are rated PEGI 12, while games that simulate gambling are rated PEGI 18. Previously, games that simulated gambling could be classified at PEGI 12 or PEGI 16, although these older games retain their existing classifications. Former: Sex 2003 This content descriptor can accompany a PEGI 12 rating if the game includes sexual posturing or innuendo, a PEGI 16 rating if there is erotic nudity or sexual intercourse without visible genitals, or a PEGI 18 rating if there is explicit sexual activity in the game. Depictions of nudity in a non-sexual context do not require a specific age rating, and this descriptor would not be necessary. Violence 2003 The game contains depictions of violence. In games rated PEGI 7 this can only be non-realistic or non-detailed violence. Games rated PEGI 12 can include violence in a fantasy environment or non-realistic violence towards human-like characters, whereas games rated PEGI 16 or 18 have increasingly more realistic-looking violence. Online 2003 May contain online interactions. In-Game Purchases 2018 The game presents players with the options to purchase digital goods or services with real-world currency. These purchases include but are not limited to bonus levels, skins, surprise items, music, virtual coins and other forms of in-game currency, subscriptions, season passes and upgrades (e.g. to disable ads). This descriptor may be accompanied by an additional notice that the game includes random items such as loot boxes.
Former Portugal Finland 2003–2021 2003–2007
In Portugal, the PEGI 3 and 7 categories were originally aligned with the age ratings of the film classification system – 4 and 6, respectively – to avoid confusion. Finland also used a modified scale, where the PEGI 12 and 16 categories became 11 and 15, respectively. Finland fully adopted PEGI on 1 January 2007, while Portugal fully adopted it on 14 January 2021, and the standard ratings were fully enforced as well in both countries at the respective dates.
Rating process To obtain the ratings for any piece of interactive software, the applicant submits the game with other supporting materials and completes a content declaration, all of which is evaluated by an independent administrator called the Netherlands Institute for the Classification of Audiovisual Media (NICAM). It is based on the Dutch Kijkwijzer system as well. Following the evaluation the applicant will receive a license to use the rating logos. If the applicant disagrees with the rating, they can ask for an explanation or make a complaint to the complaints board. Consumers may also make complaints to this board.
Although PEGI was established by an industry body (ISFE) the ratings are given by a body independent of the industry and the whole system is overseen by a number of different Boards and Committees. There is the PEGI Council, composed mainly by national representatives for PEGI, that recommends adjustments to the code in light of social, legal and technological developments. Members of the PEGI Council are recruited for their skill and experience from among parent/consumer body representatives, child psychologists, media specialists, civil servants, academics and legal advisers versed in the protection of minors in Europe.
There is also a Complaints Board with experts from various European countries. They deal with complaints related to breaches of requirements of the code of conduct or to age rating recommendations. Should a complaint be received from a consumer or publisher regarding a rating given to a game and no satisfactory settlement can be reached by the PEGI administrator through discussion, explanation or negotiation the complainant may formally request the Complaints Board to mediate. Three board members will then convene, hear the complaint and decide on a ruling. Publishers using the PEGI system are bound by the decision of the Complaints Board. Consequently, they are obliged to carry out any corrective actions required and, in cases of non-compliance, are subject to sanctions as laid out by the code.
Global cooperation in IARC In 2013, PEGI co-founded the International Age Rating Coalition with USK and the ESRB. IARC aims to streamline the rating of digitally distributed games and apps by providing a single online system that produces age ratings for all participating regions. By filling out one questionnaire, a publisher instantaneously receives ratings from PEGI, USK, ESRB, ACB and others.
PEGI Online In 2007, the PEGI Online division of PEGI was formed as an addition to the PEGI system for online games. Goals include giving young people in Europe improved protection against unsuitable online gaming content and educating parents on how to ensure safe online play. This project is supported directly by the European Commission:
PEGI Online is based on four principles: The PEGI Online Safety Code and Framework Contract which is signed by all participants The PEGI Online Logo which will be displayed by holders of a licence The website for applicants and for the general public An independent administration, advice, and dispute settlement process
The licence to display the PEGI Online Logo is granted by the PEGI Online Administrator to any online gameplay service provider that meets the requirements set out in the PEGI Online Safety Code (POSC).
Usage
PEGI is the standard age rating system for video games in 36 European countries but products with PEGI labels can be found across the globe alongside other rating systems as a result of import for linguistic reasons (e.g.: English versions in India, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, Spanish or Portuguese versions in Latin America). The official status of PEGI ratings varies from country to country, depending on the way national legislation deals with age classification and the protection of minors. In some countries, PEGI is the de facto standard without specific regulation, other countries have officially acknowledged PEGI as the sole system for age ratings, while yet another number of countries have incorporated the PEGI rating system into laws governing the age classification of media, making the labels enforceable in retail.
Officially supports PEGI