The Byron Review hit today, and there’s a ton of response to it. I’m trying to invent a one-stop source for all the Byron Review talk, so keep checking back on that post. First off, most importantly, you can read the full Byron Review by downloading the PDF here.

For those looking for a quick summary, I’ll do what I can. The Byron Review found that new ratings must be placed on games, due to children often fooling their parents with what the ratings mean. Games have found to be harmful to children, whether not protected from from them. Games can plus desensitize children to violence. There really is way too much detail to go into here…whether you care about video games and their future, I propose you read the appropriate portions of the Byron Review.

BYRON REVIEW: Government to ‘act immediately’

BYRON REVIEW: Byron & Brown on the GMTV Sofa

Byron Review backs movie-style ratings

BYRON REVIEW: Media Reaction

BBFC to rate all 12-plus games

Byron: Generational divide is biggest problem in ratings debate

BBFC response…

Responding to the Byron Report, David Cooke, Director of the BBFC, said:
“I warmly welcome Dr Byron’s report. She has listened very carefully to all the arguments, and exercised her independent and expert judgement.

“It is clear from Dr Byron’s report that games classification is less well understood that that for films and DVDs. We all need to work hard to bring understanding up to the same level, and help parents and children invent informed choices. Games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas are for adults, and should be treated in the same way as ‘18’ rated films and DVDs.

“Dr Byron says that when it comes to substance, parents want better knowledge on which to base their decisions. I welcome the film-style classification system and greater role for the BBFC which she recommends in paragraph 7.47 of her report.

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