Video Game Ratings Decoded

I have been to pick up my son from friends homes and have been a little horrified to find them playing M rated video games. While part of me wants to let the parents know about the extensive information about video game ratings available to them on the ESRB website, I rarely do.

In this post, I will summarize the ratings process and explain the difference between the different video game ratings.

Before a video game is released for sale, the makers submit a sample of the game with all pertinent content (including content that can be unlocked) to the ESRB (Entertainment Software Ratings Board) for review. A panel of 3 trained reviewers who have some experience with children review the content. Similar games (like previous games with similar titles such as the Need for Speed series) are compared and a rating is assigned. The rating can be appealed by the manufacturer in which case, the process starts all over again.

Prior to a game being released for sale, the actual game must be reviewed by the ESRB to ensure that the real thing has been assigned the appropriate rating.

In addition to the RP (rating pending) designation, there are 6 ratings you may find on entertainment software.

First is EC, early childhood. This rating is usually on games intended for children 3 and older with absolutely nothing that anyone could find objectionable (Barney doesn't count).

Next is E. E games are for children 6 and older. There is usually a little bit of cartoon or fantasy violence and maybe some mild language. In my experience, the violence in these games usually involves someone falling down.

E-10 somes next, and are intended for kids 10 and up. E-10 games add a mildly suggestive themes and a bit more violence. Some of the car racing games my kids have are E-10. The suggestive themes include girls in tight clothing kissing boys on the cheek. The added violence is really very minor. In fact, it's so minor I can find no way to describe the difference.

T follows E-10. T games are for those 13 and older. Language gets stronger, violence often involves more realistic looking characters, and suggestive themes are a little more pronounced. Guitar Hero & Rock Band are both rated T due to the lyrics in the songs and the images of the musicians. The main difference I see between E-10 and T is that when characters fall, there is blood. I have allowed my 12 year old to play some T rated games. We have told him that we need to check them out before he buys them and that there is a chance some may still not be appropriate for him.

M is for players 17 and over. This is the R rating of the video game industry. Violence, suggestive themes, language are similar to what you may find in an R movie.

Finally, AO is for Adults Only. This is video game porn. If you have an adult in your home who plays video games, store them out of reach of children. Titles in this category have longer scenes of violence, sex, strong language and nudity.

The ESRB website has a ton of very cool information about games. You can search by title to get detailed information about games your family may own or your kids may want to own. You can also sign up for an email that will provide you with information on recently rated and released games. http://www.esrb.org

That's all for today. Make it a great one.