Education
As you can see from the Industry section, there are many different roles within the gaming industry. The British Government is also realising the importance of this sector within our Creative Industries, and studies of gaming and the industry that surrounds it are gaining respect from the academic world.

In October 2004 a new report was released that praised the positive impact that games have on children, encouraging their use in education. It confirmed the message that the industry has been promoting for more than a decade - along with many educationalists.

Researchers at the Institute of Education at London University have been developing the report over the last few years. These findings, which have been partly financed by the Department of Trade and Industry, confirm that games are good for a child’s development. The research team notes that games entertain whilst promoting social development, and draws attention to game literacy as another means of representation, in the same way as writing or drawing. It also seeks to promote an understanding amongst parents and teachers that games are as culturally relevant as music, film and literature. It also concluded that games development should be taught in schools, enabling children to become game makers as well as game players.

This also supports a Home Office five-year research study published in 2001, which concluded that those who play computer and video games regularly are more likely to be academically successful, are more likely to go to university and subsequently have better employment prospects. (Source: Home Office).

In January 2005, Skillset published a compendium of UK universities and higher education institutions with accredited courses featuring computer game skill elements.

Welcome to Askaboutgames.com. This site is intended to try to answer any questions parents and players may have about age ratings that apply to computer and video games. We also detail some advice on how to play games responsibly, by taking regular breaks and so on.
Games are played by people of all ages and not just children and are now a mainstream activity, just like music and films. Games are played by people of all ages, so it is likely that either you, a member of your family, some of your friends, or your work colleagues, play computer games regularly.
That is why every game published in the UK has an age rating clearly displayed on the packaging – to help ensure that the right games are enjoyed by the right players. This site is sponsored by the games companies which publish games in the UK – who are as keen as any parent to ensure only suitable games fall into the hands of children and young people.
If you have a question about age ratings or safe playing tips, want to find out about ways to avoid counterfeit products or might be interested in career opportunities within the games industry, then Askaboutgames is here to help.
To see an example of a typical game for a specific age rating, please click on the appropriate symbol.