In a report commissioned by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, study author and clinical psychologist Tanya Byron has suggested a number of changes to increase the effectiveness of video game violence classifications in Britain, including a more film-like rating system.

"We need to improve on the systems already in place to help parents restrict children's access to games which are not suitable for their age," she wrote.

Chief among Byron's recommendations is that the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) introduce a new 12+ rating for games. Currently, games in the UK are only required to be rated if they contain gross violence. According to Byron, "the threshold for statutory classification [of video games] is quite high and is inconsistent with that for film and DVDs."

While the BBFC would only be required to rate games 12+ or higher, Byron suggested that the Pan European Game Information (PEGI), which voluntarily rates games, focus on titles that would earn a 3+ or 7+ rating, which she claimed is "where the evidence of potential harm is weakest."

To prevent consumer confusion between BBFC and PEGI ratings, Byron recommended that BBFC logos appear on the front of game packages, while PEGI logos... Read more

So many impressions of so many good games, and none of them are out right now. Video game stores have been a barren wasteland this summer. In what little game time I've had, I'm going back to stuff like StarCraft and Guitar Hero, while pretending that I'm playing StarCraft 2 and Rock Band. It doesn't really work, but hey, it's still fun. What are you guys playing lately?

Today's bytes include a new deal between Microsoft and European content labelling company PEGI, notes on GDC Austin's preoccupation with MMOs, Dragon's Lair HD DVD details, and some information on a truly limited release of Growlanser: Heritage of War.... Read more