New ratings could make games more expensive

Neil Thompson, an executive at Microsoft, believes the introduction of a new dual ratings system could make games more expensive in Britain.

"We're in the business of providing great games to a broad audience of gamers, and we need to be able to fulfil that role by getting products to consumers quickly and at a good price," he told GamesIndustry.biz.

"We're concerned with any measures that would mean this process is made more unwieldy, or incurs additional costs which have to be shared with the consumer."

In her report which some of you might remember, Dr Tanya Byron recommended all games rated 12 or above should then be categorised the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

At the time of writing, the BBFC only looks at 15 and 18-rated games. Mr Thompson doesn't believe there is a need for them to do more.

"We want a steady stream of product to consumers via retail and therefore support PEGI as the single ratings system in the UK," he argued.

"That way, we're able to ensure the right content goes to the right audience, as efficiently as possible."