What are the Ratings for Video Games?
Due to the rise of violent video games like Postal and Mortal Kombat, there have been calls for video game ratings that closely match those of movies. Video game ratings in the United States are not managed by the Government, but they are managed by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
- Early Childhood (eC) - Established in 1994, this is a rating given to games that have no content that would be considered objectionable by adults. It is most suitable for those 3 years old or younger. The Dora the Explorer, Reader Rabbit, Did it Myself, and Sesame Street series of games fall under this category.
- Everyone (E) - Also known as "E for Everyone", this rating was established in 1997 for games with little to no violence. Most of the Legend of Zelda, Madden NFL and Nancy Drew series fall under this category. Most puzzle games would fall under this ratings group, too.
- Everyone 10+ (E10+) - This rating was established in 2004. It covers games that have minimal amounts of violence, including animated blood. Supreme Ruler: Cold War, Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet, and NHL 12 are some of the games that received this rating.
- Teen (T) - This rating, suitable for players 13 years and older, was established in 1994 for games like The Sims series, Castlevania, Disciples II, and Street Fighter II. It is assigned to games that have themes related to gambling, some strong language, innuendos, and blood.
- Mature (M) - Established in 1994, this rating is for players aged 17 and older. Foul language, sexual innuendos, scenes involving killing, and outright gore will put a game in this category. Games that fall under this category include Bethesda Softworks' rendition of the Fallout series, the Halo series, and all games under the Call of Duty banner.
- Adults Only (AO) - This rating was established in 1994 for adult-themed games, typically those that have a heavy amount of sexual content. It is a rating designed to restrict purchase of a game to those who are 18 years or older. AO-rated games are only available on the PC. Because major console makers will not license AO-rated games, major games that might get this rating, such as the Grand Theft Auto series and Indigo Prophecy, tend to tone down their content to qualify for the Mature rating. Indigo Prophecy: Director's Cut is one of few games that are rated AO, along with the Leisure Suit Larry series.