ESRB
From GamerWiki
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is a self-regulatory organization that applies and enforces ratings, advertising guidelines, and online privacy principles for computer and video games in the United States. It was established in 1994 by the Entertainment Software Association.
The ESRB applies ratings to games based on their content, similar to the motion picture rating systems used in many countries. Their aim is to aid consumers in determining a game's content and suitability. A game's rating is displayed on its box, in advertisements and on game web sites.
The rating has two parts: rating symbols and content descriptors. The rating symbols are found in the lower right and the lower left hand corner on the front of the box. They suggest what age group the game is best suited for. The content descriptors are found on the lower left or right hand corner on the back of the box. They describe particular content elements that may be of interest or concern.
Rating Symbols
| Icon | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| EC | Game has been rated suitable for Early Childhood. |
| E | Game has been rated suitable for Everyone. |
| E10+ | Game has been rated suitable for Everyone over the age of 10. |
| T | Game has been rated suitable for Teenagers. |
| AO | Game has been rated suitable for Adults over the age of 18 only. |
| RP | Game has not yet been rated. |
Content Descriptors
The following content desciptions can be used.
- Alcohol Reference - Reference to and/or images of alcoholic beverages
- Animated Blood - Discoloured and/or unrealistic 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 situations and characters. May include violence where a character is unharmed after the action has been inflicted
- Comic Mischief - Depictions or dialogue involving slapstick or suggestive humor
- Crude Humor - Depictions or dialogue involving vulgar antics, including “bathroom” humor
- Drug Reference - Reference to and/or images of illegal drugs
- Edutainment - Content of product provides user with specific skills development or reinforcement learning within an entertainment setting. Skill development is an integral part of product
- Fantasy Violence - Violent actions of a fantasy nature, involving human or non-human characters in situations easily distinguishable from real life
- Informational - Overall content of product contains data, facts, resource information, reference materials or instructional text
- Intense Violence - Graphic and realistic-looking depictions of physical conflict. May involve extreme and/or realistic blood, gore, weapons, and depictions of human injury and death
- Language - Mild to moderate use of profanity
- Lyrics - Mild references to profanity, sexuality, violence, alcohol, or drug use in music
- Mature Humor - Depictions or dialogue involving "adult" humor, including sexual references
- Mild Violence - Mild scenes depicting characters in unsafe and/or violent situations
- Nudity - Graphic or prolonged depictions of nudity
- Partial Nudity - Brief and/or mild depictions of nudity
- Real Gambling - Player can gamble, including betting or wagering real cash or currency
- Sexual Themes - Mild to moderate sexual references and/or depictions. May include partial nudity
- Sexual Violence - Depictions of rape or other sexual acts
- Simulated Gambling - Player can gamble without betting or wagering real cash or currency
- Some Adult Assistance May Be Needed - Intended for very young ages
- Strong Language - Explicit and/or frequent use of profanity
- Strong Lyrics - Explicit and/or frequent references to profanity, sex, violence, alcohol, or drug use in music
- Strong Sexual Content - Graphic references to and/or depictions of sexual behavior, possibly including nudity
- Suggestive Themes - Mild provocative references or materials
- Tobacco Reference - Reference to and/or images of tobacco products
- Use of Drugs - The consumption or use of illegal drugs
- Use of Alcohol - The consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Use of Tobacco - The consumption of tobacco products
- Violence - Scenes involving aggressive conflict
In addition, online games that include user-generated content (such as chat or online multiplayer) must carry the notice "Game Experience May Change During Online Play" to warn consumers that content created by players of the game has not been rated by the ESRB. This warning can often be seen in-game as well.
