Dual games ratings system in UK to be abolished by July

The UK's Department of Culture Media and Sport wants to end the dual ratings system currently in place by making PEGI the sole ratings body for video games.

According to a proposal put forth by the UK government, dual ratings systems will be squashed, with the British Board of Film Classification no longer providing rating to games carrying a 15 or 18 certificate.

The government is also pushing legislation which would make it illegal for retailers to sell a 12+ rated game to children under the designated age. Should a retailer not adhere to the law, it could face fines in upwards of £5,000 along with jail time.

"The new system will benefit both parents and industry by creating a stronger, simpler age-rating system," said creative industries minister Ed Vaizey. "It will give parents greater confidence that their children can only get suitable games while we are creating a simpler system for industry having their games age rated."

A single rating system has been on the docket since 2009, and while the process has been extremely slow, the switch is slated to be put into place in July.

Thanks, The Guardian.