Video Game Rating System

The video game rating system, like its computer game rating system counterpart, is in place to alert gamers and those buying games to the type of content a particular title has.  The ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) was put into place to review, rate and alert the public to a particular title's content and gaming style.  This means that when shopping around for video games, you know whether or not it is a suitable game for yourself or for someone else.  Some games, like the Grand Theft Auto series, are not suitable for children and say that on the packaging with a Mature rating.

Any video game title on the market today will have a rating of approval by the ESRB. This rating alerts consumers to what content the title contains along with what age group it should be played by. Some games have a delayed rating and will be found to have a RP stamp by the ESRB in reviews, magazines and online before being released to the general public. This gives the rating board time to thoroughly review and properly rate the content contained in a particular game that might be borderline between two ratings, especially above the T rating.

ESRB Ratings

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

Video games have increasingly become more violent, sexual and more lifelike than ever before.  This means that children, teens and even adults who do not wish this type of content in their lives have to be more careful about what titles they are buying.  By understanding and utilizing the ESRB rating system, the easier it is to avoid titles that you do not want in your life or the lives of your loved ones.  While some video gamers may not always agree on a particular rating, it is up for each consumer to weigh the pros and cons of such a title before making up their own mind.  The rating system allows consumers to do just that for any video game.