Understanding Video Game Ratings: How They Work and What They Mean
Video games have become a popular form of entertainment for people of all ages. With the rise of online gaming, mobile gaming, and virtual reality, it’s important for players and parents to understand how video game ratings work. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different video game rating systems and what they mean.
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)
The most commonly recognized video game rating system is the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which is used primarily in North America. The ESRB rates games based on content and age appropriateness. They assign one of the following ratings:
- EC (Early Childhood): Games suitable for young children ages 3 and up.
- E (Everyone): Games suitable for players of all ages. Contains no content that parents would find objectionable for children.
- E10+ (Everyone 10 and older): Games suitable for players ages 10 and up. May contain more cartoon/fantasy or mild violence, mild language, and minimal suggestive themes.
- T (Teen): Games suitable for players ages 13 and up. May contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and mild language.
- M (Mature): Games suitable for players ages 17 and up. May contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and strong language.
- AO (Adults Only): Games suitable for players ages 18 and older. May include prolonged scenes of intense violence, graphic sexual content, or gambling with real currency.
The Pan European Game Information (PEGI)
In Europe, the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system is widely used. PEGI rates games based on age suitability and content descriptors. Here are the PEGI ratings:
- 3+: Games suitable for children ages 3 and up.
- 7+: Games suitable for children ages 7 and up.
- 12+: Games suitable for players ages 12 and up.
- 16+: Games suitable for players ages 16 and up.
- 18+: Games suitable for players ages 18 and older.
PEGI also uses content descriptors to provide additional information about the content of the game, such as violence, language, and gambling.
The Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO)
In Japan, the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO) is responsible for rating video games. CERO rates games based on age suitability and content descriptors. Their ratings include:
- A (All): Games suitable for players of all ages.
- B (12+): Games suitable for players ages 12 and up. May contain violence, mild language, and minimal suggestive themes.
- C (15+): Games suitable for players ages 15 and up. May contain violence, sexual content, gambling, or strong language.
- D (17+): Games suitable for players ages 17 and up. May contain intense violence, sexual content, gambling, or strong language.
- Z (18+): Games suitable for players ages 18 and older. May contain extreme violence, sexual content, gambling, or strong language.
Other Rating Systems
While the ESRB, PEGI, and CERO are the most commonly used rating systems, there are other regional or specialized rating systems used around the world. Some of these include:
- USK (Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle): Used in Germany, USK rates games based on age suitability.
- OFLC (Office of Film and Literature Classification): Used in Australia and New Zealand, OFLC rates games based on age suitability and content.
- GRAC (Game Rating and Administration Committee): Used in South Korea, GRAC rates games based on age suitability.
- ACB (Australian Classification Board): Used in Australia, ACB rates games based on age suitability and content descriptors.
The Importance of Video Game Ratings
Video game ratings play a crucial role in helping players and parents make informed decisions about the games they play or allow their children to play. These ratings provide guidance on age appropriateness and provide information on the content of the game, allowing players and parents to make choices that align with their values and preferences.
It’s important for players and parents to familiarize themselves with the different rating systems and understand what the ratings and content descriptors mean. This knowledge can help ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for players of all ages.
