The British Esports Association has published an age guide for esports and a document outlining the benefits of esports.
Both documents are to provide education to parents and help break the stigma that arguably continues to surround video gaming and competitive esports in the United Kingdom.
The not-for-profit organisation’s first guide looks at a comprehensive number of games and outlines the PEGI rating as well as providing brief comment. For games which do not have a PEGI age rating, British Esports suggests a suitable age. It breaks the world of esports down into different categories, and also includes mobile titles that youngsters may opt to play. It covers games from 3+ all the way up to 18+ FPS titles.
In addition, British Esports has designed an infographic showing the benefits of video games and esports. It touches on cognitive and social benefits as well as outlining skills that children can gain from playing video games with others, as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
The new resources are available on the British Esports Association website, here.
Matt Hancock, Minister for Digital, said: “The video games industry continues to grow as a major economic and cultural force critical to Britain’s prosperity in the twenty-first century. Bringing the thrill of esports into the mix only adds to this fantastic success story. I’m looking forward to seeing the growing UK esports scene flourish as part of this global phenomenon.”
British Esports Association chair Andy Payne OBE commented: “The British Esports Association is all about grassroots and strongly believes that starting from the bottom up is key. We want to send a positive message out to parents and the general public that esports has many benefits, and is a positive activity for children when done in moderation.”
Esports Insider says: More positive work from the British Esports Association. It’s vitally important for the UK to continue to develop its esports from the grassroots, and that starts with education. As aforementioned, there’s still stigma around video gaming and that’s arguably the reason the UK hasn’t produced the talent of Scandinavia and the likes.