Is Your Child Playing the Right Video Game? The Clue Is in the Ratings in 2024

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Remember when we played Super Mario or Prince of Persia during the Wii U era? It was so much fun!

Today, however, video games have entered a different league. Top-notch graphics, intriguing storytelling, character roleplay, and a lot more. And that’s where things start to get concerning, especially for grown-ups like us who are now parents.

As a parent, one would never want their children to watch a movie that’s inappropriate for their age, right? The same goes for picking a video game title. You see, video games are a double-edged sword. Like all things on earth, they have their fair share of good and bad.

Research studies suggest certain video games can instigate children into becoming aggressive and anxious (especially the shooting genre). Developing racist, homophobic, and misogynistic thoughts are also not uncommon.

As scary as that sounds, parents can still keep it safe for their children. It starts with paying attention to the game ratings. But first, you will need to know the basics. This article will help you understand everything about video game ratings and how they work.

How Ratings Became a Necessity

The Motion Picture Association, USA, introduced movie ratings in 1968. Since then, it has become easy for moviemakers to pick the appropriate rating for a film based on its content. For example, a movie rated “G” is suitable for the “General Audience,” including children and adults. In contrast, a “PG-rated” movie suggests “Parental Guidance,” as some parts might be inappropriate for children.

The gaming industry followed suit in 1994 with the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board), but not until the 1993 Congressional hearing. Controversy sparked with the release of titles like Mortal Kombat, Doom, and Night Trap, but it wasn’t the first time.

Video game controversies go far back to 1976, with “objectionable content” pointed out for the famous arcade game “Death Race”. Despite the sub-par graphics, the sound effects from killing the “Gremlins” were reportedly “disturbing” and garnered media attention.

Soon after, popular game developer Mystique came under scrutiny due to their sexually explicit adult titles for the Atari 2600. Not to forget the most controversial “Custer’s Revenge” with the infamous simulation of a Native American woman being raped.

The streak of controversy over video games continues to this day. Over the past couple of years, video game giants like Sony, Microsoft and EA Sports have been accused of purposely creating highly addictive titles.

Reportedly, a mother moved the court, slamming 16 different game-making companies and charging them with “intentional video game addiction.” She said her kid is glued to his console for hours. He’s staying up all night, reaching school late, and losing concentration in his studies. She went ahead to file a video game addiction lawsuit.

Soon, other parents followed suit. Reportedly, extensive gameplay of popular titles like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto V was said to have caused seizure and brain damage for a 14-year-old. In another case, the parent of a 9-year-old claimed her child’s relentless addiction to video games led to multiple psychiatric disorders.

Notably, the video game titles in question by Activision are rated M (Mature) 17+. They involve strong language, intensive violence, blood and gore, themes of drugs, in-game purchases, and user interactions.

According to TorHoerman Law, any sustainable evidence submitted by aggrieved parents stands a chance to claim fair compensation. It includes physical and mental health problems supported by medical diagnosis.

A Guide To Understand the Game Ratings and Summaries

All games developed in the US come with the ESRB rating. It can be easily found on the box for every mass-target title out on the shelves. There are primarily six different categories, namely EC, E, E10+, T, M, and AO. Of these, AO and EC are the most uncommon ones. Here’s a closer look at each category.

• EC (Early childhood): This rating indicates that a video game is completely free from any objectionable content. Such games are primarily designed for the youngest kids.
• E (Everyone): This rating denotes a game suitable for every age group. However, some E-rated titles can also be FTC and ESRB-rated, which means they might contain some “minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence along with infrequent use of mild language.”
• E10+ (Everyone 10+): Targeted at kids over 10 years or more, these types of games usually feature some form of violence, stronger language, and crudeness—a step above E-rated games. However, there’s usually no restrictive content.
• T (Teen): This rating is synonymous with PG-13 movies. So, one can expect prominent violence, harsh language, and light to moderate sexual themes. Such titles are only recommended for people 13 years of age and older.
• M (Mature): What a R-rating means for a movie, a M-rating means the same for a game. Besides extreme bloodshow and violence, the use of harsh language is paramount. Heavy sexual themes and nudity could also be there.
• AO (Adults only): Crank up the M-rating, and you will have the AO-rated games. In plain words, these video game titles are solely reserved for people who are 18 years and above. One can expect full graphic nudity, intensive gore and violence, and even pornographic themes. It’s hard to find an AO-rated video game released by big names like Microsoft or Sony.
• RP—You might find some titles rated as “RP,” which translates to Rating Pending. These are specific video games that are advertised before their official release. As the launch date draws near, the ESRB changes the rating appropriately.

Along with game ratings, parents must also pay attention to the rating summaries. They usually carry necessary descriptors like “blood and gore” or “partial nudity. So, each time your kid points out a video game on the shelves, flip it over to check the details.

Pro Tip: ESRB has a dedicated app for Android and iOS users to check a video game in detail. You can learn everything that the video game offers, including vital info like interaction level, location sharing, and in-app purchasing. You can also search for it on the official ESRB website.

What Else Can You Do To Ensure Safe Gameplay for Your Child

Parents should know that understanding ESRB ratings isn’t enough to keep their children safe. This is because the ratings don’t apply to online, multiplayer titles that use either text or voice-based communication. But fret not! You can still be the dutiful parent to keep your child out of harm’s way. Here’s how.

• If you’re unsure about any online multiplayer game, check its gameplay on YouTube. It will give you an idea of the content, including the use of language and themes.
• There are times when some T- or even M-rated titles can be appropriate for your child. And if you can’t find gameplay or any other source to check its content, put things to the test yourself. Take time to play the game to a few levels. Once you’re sure, hand over the controls.

Remember, selecting suitable video games for children involves more than just checking ratings. For concerned parents, active engagement and informed decision-making holds the key. Doing so will make your child a happy gamer and stay safe from harmful online influences.