Five reasons why the Byron Review is great news for gamers

Features
By published

And why everyone should take the time to actually read it

1) Gaming is taken seriously
Finally, finally, gaming is being given as much credence as accepted media like films or music. Section 6 of the report is a breath of fresh air, not only because the author almost universally uses the right terminology when describing game genres etc but because everything sounds like the words of someone who has researched the topic in detail. You know, she actually knows what she's talking about.

For example, Byron makes the distinction between eras of gaming and stresses that criteria for evaluating the medium should be able to evolve with it as it changes. For someone outside of the industry to recognise the nature of gaming like this is music to our ears.

"I fully appreciate the view of those that disagree with ‘banning’ video games and believe that adults should be free to choose what games they play, so long as existing laws applicable in the UK, such as the Obscene Publications Act are not contravened. However, at this moment in time, when parental awareness of the risks and use of the classification system needs improving, and given the lack of effective control of such games in many households, it is important to maintain the ability of the state to intervene in this way and promote the debate. This may be something that gets reviewed when we feel more confident about how parents are using the classification system."

To reiterate and clarify her opinion still further,she toldnext-gen.bizyesterday: "I can understand that gamers fear that there will be a 'you can't play these games any more'. I've not said that, I'd never say that, and certainly if I heard people beginning to use my review to try and imply that I will be very quick to say that that was not and will not be a recommendation of mine."

3) Gamers themselves are portrayed as intelligent people
There are quotes throughout from gamers and non-gamers and not once is any gamer portrayed as ignorant or stupid. In fact, the Children's Call For Evidence offerings are highly intelligent – take this, for example:

"Kids don’t need protection we need guidance. If you protect us you are making us weaker we don’t go through all the trial and error necessary to learn what we need to survive on our own. I know that in video gaming it may seem insignificant but it applies to gaming and the bigger stuff in life as well. So don’t protect us guide us through the gaming world don’t fight our battles for us just give us assistance when we need it."

Justin Towell
Justin Towell

Justin was a GamesRadar staffer for 10 years but is now a freelancer, musician and videographer. He's big on retro, Sega and racing games (especially retro Sega racing games) and currently also writes for Play Magazine, Traxion.gg, PC Gamer and TopTenReviews, as well as running his own YouTube channel. Having learned to love all platforms equally after Sega left the hardware industry (sniff), his favourite games include Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams, Zelda BotW, Sea of Thieves, Sega Rally Championship and Treasure Island Dizzy.