An example of a rating from the ESRB found on video game boxes in North America. This rating Everyone 10+ generally denotes a game suitable for an audience above the age of 10.
Video game content rating systems are designed to be standardized systems serving the purpose of classifying video games based on their suitability for target audiences. The body responsible for the regulation varies from country to country and follows standards set by that specific region. Some of these regulatory systems are independent, while others are run or guided by their government. Given the vast amount of national rating boards, some developers have called for an international regulatory body to be formed to standardize these ratings on a global scale. [1] In response, the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC), was introduced seeking to become the sole rating board globally, while still reflecting the unique cultural differences among nations and regions. [2] However, it is important to note that only countries and regions that are not represented by a participating rating authority recognize the legitimacy of this system.[3]
History
In 1993 Sen. Joseph Lieberman sponsored legislation that would force the video game industry to create a rating system to inform parents of game content.[4] Lieberman would take a strong stance saying in a news conference, “We’re talking about video games that glorify violence and teach children to enjoy inflicting the most gruesome forms of cruelty imaginable.”[5] He pushed further, going as far as to argue that these games lead to real crimes. [6] Consequently, representatives of the video game industry were called to a congressional hearing of the issue in December of 1993.[7] However, prior to the hearing, Sega decided to create its own rating system called the Videogame Rating Council. Officially launching in May 1993, it was the first rating system used by a major publisher in the United States and was heavily influenced by the motion picture industry rating system.[8] The eventual hearing would result in the formation of the Video Game Ratings Act of 1994, which would have been a federal game rating commission. However, the video game industry instead chose to create its own rating system, thus killing the need for the bill. The Interactive Digital Software Association, later known as the Entertainment Software Association, was formed to tackle the matter. Later in 1994, a coalition of game publishers, under the Interactive Digital Software Association, proposed to the United States Congress their idea for the national game rating board to be created. It was accepted and the ESRB was made official on Sept. 1, 1994. The rating system launched with 5 ratings: EC(Early Childhood), K-A(Kids to Adults), T(Teen), M(Mature), and AO(Adults Only).[7] Other countries followed suit, with the Pan-European Game Information rating system being created in Europe in 2003 [9] and the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization in Japan in 2002.[10]
Criticism and Ethical Concerns
Popular Rating Systems
Computer Entertainment Rating Organization
| Rating |
Description
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Games with a rating of Cero A are meant for all ages. Any content that could lead to an age restriction is avoided in these games.[11]
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Games with a rating of Cero B are meant for ages 12 and above. Only content suitable for the 12+ demographic is included in these games.[11]
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Games with a rating of Cero C are meant for ages 15 and above. Only content suitable for the 15+ demographic is included in these games.[11]
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Games with a rating of Cero D are meant for ages 17 and above. This typically indicates adult content is present.[11]
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Games with a rating of Cero Z are meant for ages 18 and above. Adult-only content is present and this game can not be sold or distributed to anyone under the age of 18.[11]
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Entertainment Software Rating Board
| Rating |
Description
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Rated E for everyone denotes a game that is suitable for all age groups. Such a game may include minimum cartoon, fantasy, and mild violence. Only minimum mild language can be used.[12]
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Rated E 10+ denotes a game that is suitable for ages 10 and up. Such a game may include more cartoon, fantasy, and mild violence than a rated E game. Mild language and some suggestive themes can also be present.[12]
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Rated T for teen denotes a game that is suitable for ages 13 and up. Such a game may include violence, crude humor, and suggestive themes. Minimal blood and infrequent strong language are also allowed.[12]
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Rated M for mature denotes a game that is suitable for ages 17 and up. Such a game may include intense violence, sexual content, and strong language. Blood and gore can also be present.[12]
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Rated AO denotes a game that is only suitable for adults. Such a game may include prolonged intense violence, graphic sexual content, and gambling with real currency.[12] Some have described this rating as a "kiss of death" as retailers refuse to stock games with this rating, and due to this, developers typically avoid receiving this rating.[13]
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International Age Rating Coalition
| Rating |
Description
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Games with a rating of IARC 3+ are meant for ages 3 and above.
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Games with a rating of IARC 7+ are meant for ages 3 and above.
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Games with a rating of IARC 12+ are meant for ages 12 and above.
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Games with a rating of IARC 16+ are meant for ages 16 and above.
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Games with a rating of IARC 18+ are meant for ages 18 and above.
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Pan European Game Information
| Rating |
Description
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Games with a rating of PEGI 3 are meant for all ages. No images that could scare young children should be present or any language that could be considered bad.[14]
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Games with a rating of PEGI 7 are meant for ages 7 and above. Contains only very mild forms of violence and may have images that could scare young children.[14]
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Games with a rating of PEGI 12 are meant for ages 12 and above. Might include mild bad language. Mild graphic violence towards fantasy characters and non-realistic violence towards human characters is allowed.[14]
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Games with a rating of PEGI 16 are meant for ages 16 and above. Violence or sexual activity is realistic. Bad language is allowed, and drug use can be shown.[14]
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Games with a rating of PEGI 17 are meant for ages 18 and above. Graphic and gross depictions of violence can be present. Explicit sexual activity, glorified depictions of illegal drugs, and gambling simulations are included in this category.[14]
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References
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