Well known for its age rating work on console games, European agency PEGI (Pan-European Game Information) is turning its attention to mobile games.

Launching PEGI Express with Microsoft for games on its Windows Phone platform, it uses the same criteria as PC and console games, including the 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+, and 18+-age classifications.

However, designed for digital content, it uses a post-release audit system that can be easily corrected on live content.

PEGI says in many cases games will be classified immediately. Only as the amount and diversity of potentially inappropriate content increase will more questions be required.

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Integrated into the app submission process for Windows Phone Marketplace, Microsoft is also covering the audit fee that's usually charged to rate games.

At present, it appears PEGI Express will be a voluntary process.

"Given the fast growing popularity of mobile gaming amongst a younger age group, we felt that it was critical to apply the same rigorous standards to our Windows Phone devices as currently apply to Xbox and Games for Windows titles," said Chris Lewis, VP IEB, Microsoft EMEA.

"We are very pleased to have Microsoft as a committed partner and we are delighted that the Windows Phone platform is the first to feature this technology," commented Simon Little, PEGI's MD.

"PEGI Express fills a clear need for a system to classify mobile game content so that informed decisions can be made by parents."

[source: PEGI]