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Parents Guide to Game Ratings

Parents are concerned with the type of games their child is playing and how appropriate it may be for them. All retail video games come with labels on the boxes, and there are websites with game reviews, store game demos and of course store clerks who can assist you.

Video games that are released for purchase are rated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). If you are concerned with what type of video games your children are playing, please make sure to check out each game ESRB ratings.

The ESRB has a two system rating to assist you in determining what games are suited for your child: Rating Symbols and Content Descriptors.


ESRB Rating Symbols Definitions (located on front of game box)
  • EC: Early Childhood
    The EC rating is given to games which content may be suitable for ages 3 and older. Game contains no material that parents would find inappropriate.
  • E: Everyone
    Content may be suitable for persons ages 6 and older. May contain minimal violence and some comic mischief or crude language.
  • T: Teen
    Games with the rating T are may be suitable for persons ages 13 and older. May contain violent content, mild or strong language, and/or suggestive themes.
  • M: Mature 17+
    The M rating is given when the video game content may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. The game may contain mature sexual themes or more intense violence or language.
  • AO: Adults Only 18+
    Adults only means just that, the game content is suitable only for adults. The game may include graphic depictions of sex and/or violence and therefore is not intended for persons under the age of 18. On the Nintendo website it is stated "that Nintendo does not sell or license games that carry the ESRB rating 'AO' (Adults Only)."
  • RP: Rating Pending
    Used for advertising games that are coming soon, but are not on sale yet. Video game companies begin to market their games to get players excited about the game, most of the time this means that the game hasn't been officially rated yet or has not been finished and rating is pending.
 ESRB rating example
ESRB Content Descriptors (located on the back of game box
In addition to rating symbols, ESRB provide content descriptors on the back of the game box as to inform you what type of activities your child will be exposed to verbally or graphically and will occur while playing the game. Content descriptors include labels for violence, blood, nudity, bad language, sexual content and many more. Make sure you understand what each ESRB content descriptor when reading the game box or game reviews.
Other factors to consider when you are buying a game for your child
  • Read the game description provided for you on the box.
  • Look at the package for screen shots (pictures) which gives you a peek at what your child will be playing.
  • Go online and read reviews of each game.
  • Check out the game demo's at the stores or first rent the game.
  • Remember you can always ask the game store clerk to help you out.
  • You can also ask your child questions about the game and compare to what information you have on the game to help you decide if this is a game your child should play.
What is important to understand and know?
It is important that you as the parent understand that the ESRB ratings are set to assist you in determining which game is appropriate by age and by content for your child to play. This does not mean you have to agree with the rating or that every game with one rating is always good for your child. Only you as the parent can decide what would be a game your child should or should not play.



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