THE RATING GAME

Each computer game or video game is rated based on its content. This ratings are designed to provide concise and impartial information about video games.
Every parent who is concerned with what video games their children are playing, will want to read this. Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), a self-regulatory, non-profit organization, aims to help you make educated decisions before purchasing a game.
ESRB was formed in 1994, and was formerly known as Interactive Digital Software Association. The organization awards each game a rating, enforces guidelines in terms of advertising those games, and ensures responsible on-line privacy practices in favor of the interactive entertainment software industry. They are operational in Canada and US.
Games are rated on the basis of their content, and the rating is displayed not only on front of the game’s box, but any media related to the game, and on their websites too. Along with the rating, ESRB also provides a list of content descriptors, that will better aide you in making a purchase decision. Further, if you need the rating of a specific game, you can go to the ESRB website (www.esrb.org).
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS
Alcohol Reference -
Reference to and/or images of alcoholic beverages
Animated Blood -
Discolored 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
Fantasy Violence -
Violent actions of a fantasy nature, involving human or non-human characters in situations easily distinguishable from real life
Intense Violence -
Graphic and realisticlooking 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
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 Content -
Non-explicit depictions of sexual behavior, possibly including partial nudity
Sexual Themes -
References to sex or sexuality
Sexual Violence -
Depictions of rape or other violent sexual acts
Simulated Gambling -
Player can gamble without betting or wagering real cash or currency
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 -
Explicit and/or frequent 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. May contain bloodless dismemberment Violent References - References to violent acts Courtesy: ESRB.org
ESRB RATING SYMBOLS
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Titles rated EC (Early Childhood) have content that may be suitable for ages 3 and older. Contains no material that parents would find inappropriate.
EVERYONE
Titles rated E (Everyone) have content that may be suitable for ages 6 and older. Titles in this category may contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language.
EVERYONE 10+
Titles rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) have content that may be suitable for ages 10 and older. Titles in this category may contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language and/or minimal suggestive themes.
TEEN
Titles rated T (Teen) have content that may be suitable for ages 13 and older. Titles in this category may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language.
MATURE
Titles rated M (Mature) have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language.
ADULTS ONLY
Titles rated AO (Adults Only) have content that should only be played by persons 18 years and older. Titles in this category may include prolonged scenes of intense violence and/or graphic sexual content and nudity.
RATING PENDING
Titles listed as RP (Rating Pending) have been submitted to the ESRB and are awaiting final rating. (This symbol appears only in advertising prior to a game’s release.)