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| Website launch for concerned parents Askaboutgames.com is a new initiative designed to help parents understand the age ratings system for computer and video games so that they can make more informed choices when choosing games for their children. Gaming is now a mainstream leisure activity in the UK. The average age of gamers is in the mid-twenties and it is estimated that over half of all males and one in four of all females play games regularly. As with other entertainment forms, there are games aimed at consumers of all ages from the very young to the over-18 market. However, as recent research has highlighted, consumers, in particular parents, appear to be confused about the age ratings system as it applies to computer and video games and concern has been expressed by some sectors of the media about the type of content that children may be exposed to. In response to this, ELSPA, the collective identity for the UK games industry, has developed a new website, askaboutgames.com. The site is aimed mainly at parents and guardians who know their children play games but are concerned by negative media perception of gaming. Through askaboutgames.com ELSPA hopes to dispel parental concerns over unsuitable content through clear, detailed explanations of game ratings and symbols, why ratings are important, how they work and tips on how children should play safely. Askaboutgames.com also highlights ways in which consumers can work in the games industry and courses that are available to school leavers to get onto a gaming career path. The games industry brings much to the UK economy through exports, job creation and game sales. Askaboutgames.com goes live from 7th December 2005. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Game News :: home page |