Following in the wake of the British government's decision to dispense with game ratings in favour of PEGI's rival system, new colour-coded age rating symbols have been unveiled by the board.

PEGI's age ratings range from 3 up to 18, and are colour coded from green to red.

These new symbols are designed primarily to aid parents buying games, and they will be displayed on the front and back of boxes.

The new PEGI system will be implemented by the Video Standards Council in the UK, although it is unclear when this will go ahead - according to VSC chief Peter Darby.

"We are going to start discussions as soon as possible with the government. It's a partnership approach, we're not waiting for them to act, but we do have a lot to discuss," Darby told GI.biz.

"We're waiting for government legislation and we want to implement these changes as soon as possible to go forward with a final plan."

More on this as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge