New ratings system could make games more expensive, says Microsoft

Microsoft exec Neil Thompson has warned the introduction of a new dual ratings system could make games more expensive in the UK.

"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 factpunching newswhackers 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 recent report, Dr Tanya Byron recommended all games rated 12+ or above by PEGI should then be rated by the British Board of Film Classification. At present, the BBFC only rates 15 and 18 games. But Thompson sees no need to start mucking about with how everything works.

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

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

Oh, and don't forget - not only will games cost more in the UK, we'll be getting them later than everyone else, according to EA's Keith Ramsdale.

Rip-off Britain? Rip-off your head and lay a cable in your neck Britain, more like. Or perhaps the BBFC could just get an extra man in.