Understanding Video Game Ratings

In today digital technology, most parents likely understand the ratings on the films/movies that their children are seeing. But, do they really acknowledge what the ratings on video games all about? Or to some extent are you pretty sure that your children playing video games that are meant not for them?

ESRB or the Entertainment Software Rating Board has done the ratings that all parents should know. It is particularly impetus to understand about the video game ratings system, because most kids can purchase their desired games without hassle in stores today.

Now let’s take a look on the ESRB ratings as follow :

EC – “Early Childhood” Video Game Rating

This rating warns players (or parents) that the game is perfectly fit for ages 3 and up. Games software that are rated EC include no content that parents would deem inappropriate.

E – “Everyone” Video Game Rating

A game software rated E is perfectly fit for children 6 years and older. There may be less portion of fantasy, cartoon, or infrequent use of mild language and/ or mild harassment.

E 10+ - “Everyone 10+” Video Game Rating

Games software rated E 10+ have material that is possibly fit for ages 10 and older. Game titles in this classification may include more mild violence, fantasy, cartoon, or minimal suggestive themes  and/or mild language.

T – “Teen” Video Game Rating

Game titles that are rated T have material that may be appropriate for ages 13 and older. This classification may include suggestive themes , violence, crude humor, simulated gambling, infrequent use of strong language and/or minimal blood.

M – “Mature” Video Game Rating

Game titles rated M include material that may be appropriate for players ages 17 and older.  This rating may imply blood and gore, intense violence, strong language and/or sexual content.

AO – “Adult Only” Video Game Rating

Game titles rated AO have material that should only be enjoyed by persons 18 years and older. Game titles in this classification may include nudity, graphic sexual content and/or prolonged scenes of intense violence.

RP – “Rating Pending “ Video Game Rating

Game titles rated as RP have been proposed to the ESRB and are awaiting final rating result. (Generally this symbol occurs only in marketing purpose due to a game's first time distribution to the market.)

As parents, you have the right to be cleared about what your children are watching. You also have the responsibility to maintain yourself informed, and keep your children away from video games material that is inappropriate for their childhood age. You need to stay up to date on any information about video game ratings in the future, be wise and be smart when selecting video games software for your beloved children.