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, the Media , in Advertisements and on game Web Site s.
The rating system is voluntary, and companies do not have to submit a game for rating before selling it. However, almost all game publishers in the United States use the system.
The rating has two parts: ''rating symbols'' and ''content descriptors''. The rating symbols are usually found on the lower right or 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 back of the box, usually in the lower left or right hand corner, they describe particular content elements that may be of interest or concern.
The symbols the ESRB uses are stylized depictions of alphabetical letters meant to convey at a glance a game's suitability. Although they were originally white with a black outline (as seen in the K-A rating logo), the rating letters have been displayed as entirely black letters (in order to be more legible) since the latter part of 1999.
Please note that the content descriptors are not always printed as shown below, they may have additional words added to further clarify the highlighted content such as "''Mild'' Blood" and "''Mild'' Suggestive Themes".
- — Reference to and/or images of Alcoholic beverages.
- — Discolored and/or unrealistic depictions of Blood .
- — Depictions of blood.
- — Depictions of blood or the Mutilation of body parts.
- — Violent actions involving Cartoon -like or animated situations and characters. May also include violence where a character is unharmed after the action has been inflicted.
- — Depictions or dialogue involving Slapstick or suggestive Humor .
- — Depictions or dialogue involving Vulgar antics, including " Bathroom Humor ".
- — Reference to and/or images of illegal Drugs .
- — Content of product provides user with specific skills development or reinforcement learning within an Entertainment setting. Skill development is an integral part of product.
- — Violent actions of a Fantasy nature, involving human or non-human characters in situations easily distinguishable from real life.
- — Overall content of product contains data, facts, resource Information , reference materials or instructional text.
- — Graphic and realistic-looking depictions of physical conflict. May involve extreme and/or realistic blood, gore, weapons, and depictions of human injury and death.
- — Mild to moderate use of Profanity .
- — Mild references to profanity, sexuality, violence, alcohol, or drug use in Music .
- — Depictions or dialogue involving " Adult " humor, including sexual references.
- — Mild references to profanity, sexuality, violence, alcohol, or drug use in music.
- — Mild scenes depicting characters in unsafe and/or violent situations.
- — Graphic or prolonged depictions of Nudity .
- — Brief and/or mild depictions of nudity.
- — Player can Gamble , including betting or wagering real cash or currency.
- — Mild to moderate Sexual references and/or depictions. May include partial nudity.
- — Depictions of Rape or other sexual acts.
- — Player can gamble without betting or wagering real cash or currency.
- — Intended for very young ages, used for games rated Early Childhood.
- — Explicit and/or frequent use of profanity.
- — Explicit and/or frequent references to profanity, sex, violence, alcohol, or drug use in music.
- — Graphic references to and/or depictions of sexual behavior, possibly including nudity.
- — Mild Provocative references or materials.
- — Reference to and/or images of Tobacco products.
- — The consumption or use of illegal drugs.
- — The consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- — The consumption of tobacco products.
- — Scenes involving aggressive conflict.
The following content descriptors have been updated and are no longer used, but they may appear on games published previously.
- — Cartoon or pixilated images of blood or the mutilation of body parts.
- — Cartoon or pixilated scenes depicting animated characters in unsafe and/or violent situations.
- — Betting-like behavior.
- — Betting-like behavior.
- — Provocative material, possibly including partial nudity.
- — Mild cartoon or pixilated scenes depicting animated characters in unsafe and/or violent situations.
- — Mild photographic-like detailed depictions of characters in unsafe and/or violent situations.
- — These phrases are found only on products rated Early Childhood and indicate whether children's reading, computer, or other skills are used in these titles.
- — Photographic-like detailed depictions of blood.
- — Photographic-like detailed depictions of blood or the mutilation of body parts.
- — Photographic-like detailed depictions of characters in unsafe and/or violent situations.
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