A guide for parents
Understanding PEGI
PEGI — Pan European Game Information — is the official age rating system for video games in 38 European countries, including Denmark. Established in 2003, PEGI ratings appear on every game sold in Europe and help parents make informed decisions about the games their children play.
01
The five age ratings
Each rating indicates the minimum age for which the content is considered suitable — not a legal restriction, but a guide.
PEGI
3
Suitable for all
No frightening sounds or images. Mild cartoon violence only. No bad language whatsoever.
PEGI
7
Ages 7 and up
Content that may frighten young children. Non-realistic, non-detailed violence only.
PEGI
12
Ages 12 and up
Fantasy violence, sexual innuendo, mild language. Non-realistic violence toward human-like characters.
PEGI
16
Ages 16 and up
Realistic-looking violence, sexual content, strong language, drug and tobacco references.
PEGI
18
Adults only
Gross violence, motiveless killing, explicit sexual activity, gambling simulation, drug glamorisation.
02
Content descriptors explained
Descriptors appear alongside the age rating and tell you exactly what kind of content triggered the classification. A game can carry multiple descriptors.
🩸
Violence
From cartoon violence (PEGI 7) through fantasy violence (PEGI 12) to realistic, detailed violence (PEGI 16–18).
PEGI 7 / 12 / 16 / 18
💬
Bad Language
Mild swearing at PEGI 12, more extreme language at PEGI 16, and sexual expletives at PEGI 18.
PEGI 12 / 16 / 18
😱
Fear / Horror
"Fear" at PEGI 7 for young children. "Horror" at PEGI 12–16 for moderate to intense horror sequences.
PEGI 7 / 12 / 16
🔞
Sex
Sexual innuendo (PEGI 12), erotic nudity (PEGI 16), explicit sexual activity (PEGI 18). Non-sexual nudity excluded.
PEGI 12 / 16 / 18
💊
Drugs
References to or depictions of illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco. Always PEGI 16 or above.
PEGI 16 / 18
🎰
Gambling
Simulations of casino or gambling hall gameplay. Since 2020, all new games with gambling simulation are PEGI 18.
PEGI 18
🚫
Discrimination
Ethnic, religious, nationalistic stereotypes likely to encourage hatred. Always PEGI 18 — may also infringe national law.
PEGI 18 only
💳
In-Game Purchases
The game offers purchases of digital goods with real money — levels, outfits, virtual currency, subscriptions.
Any rating — added 2018
🎲
Paid Random Items
In-game purchases include randomised items (loot boxes) where you don't know what you'll receive before buying.
Any rating — added 2020
"In-Game Purchases and Paid Random Items are the two newest descriptors — and the most relevant for parents of children playing free-to-play mobile and online games. Always check for these before downloading."
03
The PEGI Online label
Some games carry an additional PEGI Online label. This indicates the game allows online interaction with other players — including strangers. PEGI only rates the game as published; the online environment falls outside the scope of the rating.
What this means in practice: A PEGI 7 game with online play could expose your child to communication from adults. Configure family account settings on PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo to control who your child can interact with.
04
The Parental Guidance label
PEGI uses a Parental Guidance Recommended label for apps distributed through storefronts using the IARC system — think YouTube, TikTok or Roblox’s user-generated content.
It does not mean the app is dangerous — it means the content is dynamic and unpredictable, and a parent should be involved in deciding whether it’s appropriate for their child.
05
Using PEGI in practice
Ratings are a tool, not a decision. Here's how to use them effectively.
01
Check descriptors, not just the number
A PEGI 12 with In-Game Purchases and Paid Random Items needs more scrutiny than a PEGI 16 with only Violence. The descriptors tell the real story.
02
Know your child, not just the rating
A mature 11-year-old may handle a PEGI 12 better than a sensitive 13-year-old. Use ratings as a starting point for your own judgement.
03
Look up the game before buying
pegi.info has a search tool with every rated game's full classification report — including detailed reasoning behind each descriptor.
04
Check for online features separately
The PEGI rating reflects the game as shipped. Online interaction and community content are not rated — configure platform parental controls independently.
05
Always enable purchase controls
Any game with In-Game Purchases or Paid Random Items should have purchase approval enabled. All major platforms support this — set it up before handing over the device.
06
Bookmark pegi.info
The official PEGI website has a full game search, classification reports, guides for parents, and a tool to report miscategorised games.
Want the full parent guide?
PEGI is just one part of understanding your child's gaming life.