RATINGS
Like movies, video games
have ratings to aid people in making informed decisions about the games they
purchase. The Entertainment Software
Rating Board (ESRB) gives each video game a two-part rating. The ratings consist of rating symbols, which
suggest the age appropriateness for the game, and content descriptors, which
point out elements in a game that may be of interest or concern.
The rating symbol can be
found on the front of the game box, and the content descriptors can be found on
the back of the box. To maximize these
ratings, users should be sure to check both labels.
ESRB
Rating Symbols
EC
EARLY CHILDHOOD E EVERYONE
Suitable
for children ages 3 and Suitable
for children ages 6 and
older. Contains no
inappropriate older. May contain minimal violence,
material. comic
mischief, or mild language.
T TEEN M MATURE
Suitable
for persons 13 and older. Suitable
for persons 17 and older.
May contain violent content, mild May contain mature sexual themes,
or strong language, or suggestive more intense violence, or strong
themes. language.
AO
ADULTS ONLY RP RATING PENDING
Suitable
for adults only, 18 and Titles
have been submitted to the
older. May include
graphic ESRB
and are waiting for a final
depictions of sex and/or violence. rating.
Of games sold in 2002:
55.7% were rated E
27.6% were rated T
13.2% were rated M
ESRB
Content Descriptors
Alcohol Reference- reference
to or images of alcoholic beverages
Animated Blood- cartoon
depictions of blood
Blood- depictions of blood
Blood and Gore- depictions
of blood or the mutilation of body parts
Cartoon Violence- violent
actions involving cartoon-like characters
Comic Mischief- depicting
slapstick or gross vulgar humor
Crude Humor- moderately
vulgar humor, including bathroom humor
Drug Reference- reference
to or images of illegal drugs
Edutainment- skill
development is an integral part of product
Fantasy Violence- violent
actions of a fantasy nature
Gambling
Intense Violence- graphic
and realistic-looking depictions of physical conflict
Mature Humor- vulgar or
crude jokes
Mature Sexual Themes-
provocative material, possible partial nudity
Mild Language- mild
references to profanity, sexuality, violence, alcohol, drug use
Mild Lyrics
Mild Violence- mild scenes
depicting characters in unsafe or violent situations
Nudity
Partial Nudity
Sexual Violence- depictions
of rape or other sexual acts
Some Adult Assistance May
Be Needed- for EC games only
Strong Language- profanity
and explicit references to sexuality, alcohol, violence, or drug use
Strong Lyrics
Strong Sexual Content-
graphic depiction of sexual behavior
Suggestive Themes- mild
provocative references
Tobacco Reference-
reference to or images of tobacco products
Use of Drugs- consumption
or use of illegal drugs
Use of Alcohol
Use of Tobacco
Violence- scenes involving
aggressive conflict