Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft are all uniting to make sure parents are educated about the video game industry, and stop blaming them.

Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft are all making sure that parents and guardians are well aware of the content of games before they purchase them for their children.

Video game boxes will be changed so there is a DVD-style warning box. While no specifics have been announced DVDs contain a box on the back which outlines the use of strong language, violence and sexual content etc.

While it is ELSPA that will be introducing the scheme it is clear that the three platform-makers are behind the push.

"We have a very good classification system at the moment, but we have to be seen to be doing the right thing more now than ever," said Sony Computer Entertainment UK's managing director Ray Maguire.

"If it is felt that we must provide more information about content, or find out more about current levels of consumer awareness, then so be it. But whether it makes any difference is another matter, as ultimately this could be an issue of social responsibility. We can work with the Government but we can't stop parents letting their kids play adult-rated games at home if the parents don't care."

Nintendo UK boss David Yarnton also spoke about the issue at the DTI Games Industry Forum. "Everyone in entertainment retail will very much welcome these initiatives," commented Kim Bayley of powerful retail trade body BARD.