The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association is launching a new website entitled Askaboutgames, which seeks to explain the videogames rating system to parents while dispelling a few myths about the industry. As the press release explains:
"...there is a lot of misinformation in some sections of the media about the games industry and many parents are concerned about content their children may be exposed to. Many parents are unable to find fact-based information about games and the games industry and as a result may see the industry as corrupting to youthful minds."
Unable to find information? Hmmm, how about the PEGI ratings clearly displayed on every single videogame sold in Europe? Surely that's a pretty good start. And therein lies the problem with ELSPA's perfectly sensible initiative. The kind of parents who take the time to seek out this website are probably not the ones who actually believe those 'videogame industry controlled by Satan' scare stories vomited out by desperate hacks every time they run short on real news. No, they're probably the kind of parents who actually glance at game boxes and think, "oh, this one has a 15 certificate from the BBFC. I deduce, therefore, that this game is not suitable for my seven-year-old son". They are the kind of parents who might actually have a quick go on the game to satisfy their curiosity and concerns.
Information requires time and effort – these do not appear to be popular currencies.
Anyway, I like the fact that ELSPA is including details on gaining employment in the videogame industry. If parents cannot be persuaded to learn about games they may at least be interested to know that there is money to be made in them.
The site has its official launch on December 1st.
