Computer Game Rating System

As more and more computer games made it to the market, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) created a game rating system that helps alert consumers to potential issues with a particular game.  This rating system is the same as what is used for video game software titles and is easy to read and understand no matter what age you are gauging a game for.  Just like the movie rating system, the computer game rating system helps consumers make important decisions as to what type of content they let into their lives and those they are making purchases for.

Every computer game that makes it to the retail market is listed with its video game rating.  This ranges between six different ratings and a rating pending for games that have not been decided on yet.  When a title is given a particular rating, it also gives a description why the game is rated the way it is.  For example, a M rated computer game may have graphic violence, language and sexual content; an EC rated computer game would contain no content a consumer would find offensive.

ESRB Ratings

• EC (Early Childhood): Ages 3+
• E (Everyone): Ages 6+
• E 10+ (Everyone 10+): Ages 10+
• T (Teen): Ages 13+
• M (Mature): Ages 17+
• AO (Adults Only): Ages 18+
• RP (Rating Pending): Waiting rating approval by the ESRB

While many consumers pay little attention to the computer game rating system, it is important to take stock of what you or your loved ones are playing.  As games in general get more violent and mirror real life, the more extreme the game play environment becomes for those playing these games.  If you have children, you may not want to expose them to such games.  Perhaps, you just do not want to indulge in that type of game play yourself.  No matter what the reason, understanding just why the computer game rating system is in place helps keep unwarranted games out of the hands of those who will not enjoy such computer games.