Computer games released across Europe from next year will follow a new age rating system to ensure that children are not exposed to unsuitable content which is being introduced by the Interactive Software Federation of Europe (IFSE).

IFSE's system will be voluntary and will replace the current age rating system in the UK which was introduced in 1994 by the European Leisure Software Publishers Association. The current system, also voluntary, is used in over 95% of games products, according to Indie Magazine.

The categories, which are similar to the ELSPA's system will be: ages 3-6; 7-11; 12-15; 16-17 and 18 plus. A set of six symbols will also be used to indicate the nature of the content. The ELSPA system, devised by the Video Standards Council, uses four bands: 3-10 years, 11-14, 15-17 and 18 plus.

Germany is the only country in Europe intending not to participate in the new scheme. It already operates its own mandatory scheme.

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