NEW CONTENT RATING SYSTEM INTRODUCED BY THE INTERNATIONAL MULTIMEDIA GUILD, (IMG), AND UNITED FEDERATION OF CHILDSAFE WEB SITES, (UFCWS)

A brand new gaming content rating system has finally made it's debut at E3 Expo 2003 in Los Angeles, CA. Introducing the ECR Rating System. The new ECR Rating system may soon become a new gaming industry standard that will provide an alternative choice for rating of a new game title.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 15, 2003 - IMG and the UFCWS are proud to announce the debut of their long awaited ECRs and ECRi Rating System for electronic content at E3 Expo 2003.

The IMG and UFCWS are proud to announce the debut of the long awaited ECRs and ECRi Rating System as a strong alternative to ESRB Rating.

The debut of the new rating system has already captured the attention of many of the people in the gaming industry who are attending the E3 Expo in Los Angeles, CA, thanks to a "sneak peak" at the new rating system prior to this announcement. A generous amount of feedback was gained from those who had the opportunity to participate in the sneak peak. A fair amount of the feedback has been quite helpful to the continued development of the ECR Rating web site itself.

An interesting fact was discovered from the feedback of our Sneak Peak participants. Many of the comments in the feedback expressed strong support of the new ECR Rating system. It seems that many of the people feel that a new rating system will now provide an alternative instead of a "have to" option. It was further expressed how the new ECR Rating system could stimulate the market due to having variety. It's like a plate of cookies at a party. Some like oatmeal, some like chocolate chip. ECR Rating is the chocolate chip cookies that have that added flavor that oatmeal doesn't have. Both of the cookies have their own unique characteristics.

The descriptors of each rating in ECR Rating is more detailed and clearly defined. Having such a clearly defined rating evokes a sense that it will stimulate the interest of the consumers and in turn make the market more productive. The end result, a positive ROI for publishers, distributors, and retailers. There will always be those who will remain steadfast in their choice of the Oatmeal, but the bottom line comes down to the fact of now there will be a choice.

According to Rev. James G.W. Fisher, Executive Director of the IMG, and developer of the globally recognized iWatchDog Program, "Publishers have been locked into one single rating method which in many cases literally alienated many potential gaming hits to ever make it to market". "In our discussion with a significant number of exhibitors and media at the E3 Expo, it is clear that we have very strong support of the ECR rating system."

The feature of the ECR Rating that really drew most of the discussion, is that it is absolutely free! No strings attached, unlike "other" rating presently being used. It is the proven policy of operation with the IMG that relying upon sponsors and donations truly works. As Dr. Sally Peterson, Staff Advisor of IMG's Content Advisory Board put it, "This truly levels the playing field for all publishers big and small." "With no fee being charged, you are assured that your game will be given the same level of fair judgment and attention that all others will be given".

There have been some who feel that the ECR rating will not become a standard unless one of the "Big 3" are in support of it. Of course licensing contracts, etc. with ESRB will of course have some bearing but at the same time the same "Big 3" are not blind and are quick to identify a concept that could provide a positive ROI.

There are two important facts to take note of. The first is the fact that the IMG and the UFCWS's proven track record with their ICCS Certification, which is governed under the iWatchDog program, is something that everyone is familiar with and trusts in. The second fact to consider is that the ECR Rating system is the newest addition to the already well established iWatchDog program. Based upon the response from our queries at E3 Expo and several other sources; it appears that it is the opinion of many that the ECR rating system will sweep across the gaming industry like a storm! Are you ready for it?

About IMG

The International Multimedia Guild, (IMG) is a highly diversified market leader in providing news and reviews on innovative technology, products, and services in the gaming industry. IMG is a subsidiary of Jabez International, Inc., a company that is highly respected in foresight and marketing solutions Internationally.

Contact: James GW Fisher
EMail: editor@gamingunleashed.com
Phone: 917.405.4190

About the UFCWS

The United Federation of ChildSafe web Sites, (UFCWS) is highly recognized for being on the forefront of Child Safety on the Internet. The UFCWS has been the leader in educating the public in online safety and understanding Internet and game ratings.

The UFCWS is also responsible for the development and implementation of the globally recognized ICCS Certification Standard and iWatchDog Program, but the UFCWS is most widely known for making the word "ChildSafe" a household word. The UFCWS is also a subsidiary of Jabez International, Inc., a company that is highly respected in foresight and marketing solutions Internationally.

Contact: Dr. Sally Peterson
EMail: admin@ufcws.org