Do you know the problem? All your games quickly become boring because you feel grown up and children’s games no longer appeal to you. There are exciting trailers of new games everywhere on YouTube that you really want to play. At the moment, for example, “Red Dead Redemption 2”, “Call of Duty Black Ops 4”, “Fallout 76” or “Battlefield V”. But all the games are rated 16 or 18. Whether because of violence, drugs or sexual acts – you have to show your ID in the stores, and then it’s usually over. But the age restriction can be circumvented. In this article, I will show you various ways to achieve this.
Why are there age restrictions at all?
PEGI stands for “Pan-European Game Information” and is a system with age recommendations for computer games, which is intended to help parents in particular when choosing games. There are five different age recommendations: approved for ages 3, 7, 12, 16 or 18. I will explain the exact labels and meanings in detail at the end of this article. But you can’t always rely on PEGI. For example “Life is Strange”: This game is very good and I can recommend it to everyone, but the first part is PEGI 12 and very vulgar, while the second part is not so violent, but is still labeled PEGI 18. So you can see that you should watch the trailer first and not always just rely on the PEGI rating on the cover. But back to the actual topic: Here is my advice.
The honest solution
The first way is the most honest: you simply persuade the parents – with trailers and/or persuasion. Maybe they say no, but then you should respect the answer and try again in a month. Maybe they’ll change their minds if you do well at school. I prefer this method because I like to be honest with my parents. This method is also safe, and you won’t get into trouble. Maybe, if you’ve been doing well at school recently, your parents will even buy you the game you wanted. As you can see, this solution only has advantages, so always try honesty first.
The clever solution
Another method that usually works is a little less honest, but still simple and successful. You go to the nearest electronics store and buy a PSN, Nintendo, XBOX or Paysafe credit card. You redeem these in the console’s e-shop and buy the game you want. This method is simple, but not entirely honest. There is a 50-50 chance that it will come out and you will get into trouble.
The simple solution
This path is not for you if you are lonely and have no friends, because you need them for this solution. They also have to be friends who are allowed to do everything. Because then you simply play the forbidden games in their home.
The inconspicuous solution
The fourth method is also very simple. You just have to go to flea markets and look for the games you want. I myself have also bought and sold games at flea markets.
The desperate solution
This solution is a little crazy, but it certainly works. You would simply have to go out on the street and ask passers-by if they would buy the game for you. Maybe you should give these passers-by a small wage – for 5 francs I think a few people would do it.
The disadvantages and consequences
Of course, there are disadvantages to not being honest with your parents. For example, bans, changes to passwords or house arrest. And maybe the games are actually causing you psychological damage. So think carefully about whether you want to lie. And also whether you might not tolerate the games. The same applies to films and series. If the games make you aggressive, sad or addicted, you shouldn’t try to persuade your parents to play them.
I hope you found my article helpful and enjoyed it.
And here is the promised information about PEGI:
PEGI stands for “Pan-European Game Information” and is a system with age recommendations for computer games, which is intended to help parents in particular when choosing games. There are five different age recommendations: approved for ages 3, 7, 12, 16 or 18.
From 3+: The content of these games is suitable for all age groups.
From 7+: These games would also be suitable for ages 3+, but may contain scary scenes or sounds for younger children.
From 12+: More pronounced depictions of violence against fantasy creatures or implied violence against human-looking creatures or animals are possible in these games. Minor nudity and mild vulgar language may also occur.
From 16+: This category includes games in which the depiction of violence or sexual acts can take place in a realistic context. In addition, stronger vulgar language, the depiction of tobacco and drug use as well as criminal acts are possible.
18+: Games in this category are recommended for adults only. The violence depicted in them can be cruel and evoke revulsion in the viewer.
In addition to the age logos, there are symbols on the back of the games that describe the content of the game in more detail. These can usually be found on the back of the game packaging:
Speech bubble symbol: Vulgar language is used in the game.
Person symbol: The game promotes discrimination.
Syringe symbol: Drug use is shown in the game.
Spider symbol: The game contains scary scenes that can frighten small children.
Dice symbol: The game encourages gambling or provides instructions on how to do so.
Sex symbol: Nudity and/or sexual acts are shown or alluded to in the game.
Fist symbol: The game contains depictions of violence or glorifies and trivializes violence.
Online symbol: The game can be played online.
Zushi is a young Youtuber who regularly writes about new games, game consoles, gadgets and gaming in general for FACES.
More articles from Zushi:
The best anime series on Netflix