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For the holidays, video games are still among the most popular gifts for children. In a Facebook post dated November 4, 2025, the prefect ofIndre-et-Loire recalls the essential role of PEGI signage, an essential reference for parents who wish to offer a video game to their child.
Home consoles, colorful adventure games, construction platforms or immersive worlds: the offer has never been so vast, nor as varied. However, faced with this abundance, many parents find themselves helpless when it comes to choosing. Between very mainstream titles and those that address more mature themes — sometimes violent, distressing or explicitly aimed at adolescents —, the border is not always obvious.
A simple tool to help you find your way around: PEGI signage
Created to harmonize practices in Europe, the PEGI (Pan European Game Information) system has become in 2015 the only official signage in France. It aims to quickly inform consumers about the recommended age for playing a title, as well as the nature of sensitive content.
The Ministry of the Interior recalls the logos indicated for the five age groups: 3, 7, 12, 16 and 18 years old.
- PEGI 3: no scary scenes or strong language.
- PEGI 7: some elements that can impress the youngest.
- PEGI 12: moderate violence, non-sexual nudity, mild language.
- PEGI 16: realistic scenes of violence or sexual content.
- PEGI 18: extreme violence or very explicit scenes.
In addition, eight pictograms provide information on the possible presence of violence, discrimination, drugs, sex, fear, foul language, games of chance or in-app purchases.
Christmas: which games to favor according to age?
3–7 years: awakening and imagination
Colorful, simple games focused on creativity or motor skills. At this age, no exposure to violence or fear.
7–12 years: curiosity and construction
Moderate adventure, platform or construction games (sandbox type).
12–16 years: storytelling and strategy
Teenagers enjoy immersive, scripted games. Be careful of the increasing intensity of violent scenes, crude language or more adult themes.
16 years and over: realism and competition
Very realistic games, sometimes violent or explicitly mature, are becoming more accessible. However, vigilance is required with regard to online interactions, which are often not moderated.
The right reflex: check the classification before buying
To make an informed choice, the PEGI search engineaccessible online, allows you to check the classification of a game and obtain a detailed description of its content in just a few seconds.
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