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Nintendo has announced that it will include a play control system in its next home video game system, code-named Revolution, that's due out in 2006. (This has actually reminded us that the final title is yet to be specified, amongst other things).
By using a password-controlled setting, adults can decide what flexibility they'll allow younger players to have in playing video games rated 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+ or 18+. The system also ensures dedicated adult gamers can opt to play without limitations, so that there is no need to keep tinkering with the settings every time you want to play 'Super Slash Brothers'.
How does it work? The actual game software will contain a code indicating the rating, which will activate the control system to remain locked or unlocked. The feature will be included in every Revolution worldwide, possibly alongside the region coding.
"Even though most Nintendo games are appropriate for all ages and the game ratings are clearly displayed on the front of every game package, this added feature encourages parents to take responsibility for the games their children play," said Jim Merrick, Senior Marketing Director, Nintendo of Europe. This is quite a good idea from the perspective of any adult really as it cannot be tweaked without the 'password/code' that enables the rating controls.
Nintendo's games in Europe are rated using the Pan European Games Information (PEGI) age rating system for interactive games, which groups games into five different age bands, 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+ or 18+. Whilst these are useful, they are not legally binding, unlike the classic BBFC ratings.
The Revolution will play both new game discs, as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. It also will have access to 20 years of Nintendo 'retro' games due to 'online' content. Whether this software will be coded in any way has yet to be seen, but most old games are quite tame anyway, look at Donkey Kong compared to the new King Kong game!
Expect this to play an important part in parental decisions in the gaming habits of their kids in the near future. The only worry is that your cheeky mates might 'password' the system on 'kiddie mode' when you buy it and blackmail you for the code! Or is that just our mates?
We'll let you know more as we get it - if your parental controls allow us!
Chris Barnett
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