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[[Image:ESRB_LOGO_01.gif|right]]
[[Image:ESRB_LOGO_01.gif|right]]
The '''ESRB''' is the ratings system used in the [[United States of America]] and [[Canada]]. Some people criticise the ratings system for not being clear by the fact a lettering system is used rather than an age number/group. Below is a table explaining the ''ESRB'' ratings system, with descriptions of what each letter represents:
The '''Entertainment System Rating Board''' ('''ESRB''') is a self-regulatory organization that applies and enforces ratings, advertising guidelines, and online privacy principles for computer and video games and other entertainment software in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] (officially adopted by individual provinces 2004-2005). It was established in 1994 by the [[wp:Entertainment Software Association|Interactive Digital Software Association]]. By early [[2003]], it had rated over 8,000 titles submitted by 350 video game publishers. Many believe that the ESRB may promote media restriction, while others think that it is necessary for software to have content ratings. The decision to found the ESRB was influenced by the graphic "fatality" killing moves of [[wikia:c:MK|Mortal Kombat]] and other controversial video games depicting violent or sexual situations at the time, and by pressure from the United States government.
 
==Overview==
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 sites.
 
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.
 
==Symbols==
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 later part of 1999. Historic criticism of this ratings system has centered on its vague definitions of age groups and reliance on seemingly arbitrary lettering systems. Below is a table explaining the ESRB ratings system, with descriptions of what each letter represents.


==ESRB Ratings==
==ESRB Ratings==
{|
{|
| [[Image:ESRB_EC.png|none|40px|ESRB Rating: EC (Early Childhood)]] || '''EC''' — '''Early Childhood''': A game with this rating is intended for very young audiences (usually over 3 years of age)
| [[Image:ESRB_EC.png|none|40px|ESRB Rating: EC (Early Childhood)]] || '''EC''' — '''Early Childhood''': Contains content that may be suitable for ages 3 and older. Contains no material that parents would find inappropriate. Games that fall under this rating are specifically intended for young children and are usually educational in nature. However, some educational games with more complex problems (Such as the ''Dr. Brain'' series) may be rated E.
|-
|-
| [[Image:ESRB_E.png|none|40px|ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)]] || '''E''' — '''Everyone''': Generally these games are suitable for people 6 and over. These games may have mild cartoon violence, mischief, among other non-serious actions.
| [[Image:ESRB_E.png|none|40px|ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)]] || '''E''' — '''Everyone''': Contains 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. It is often likened to the MPAA's "G" rating.  It was known as ''K-A'' until 1998.
|-
|-
| [[Image:ESRB_E10+.png|none|40px|ESRB Rating: E10+]] || '''E10+''' — '''Everyone 10+''':  Added in 2005 after there were some complaints about a lack of a rating between E and T.
| [[Image:ESRB_E10+.png|none|40px|ESRB Rating: E10+]] || '''E10+''' — '''Everyone 10 and older''':  (Also known as Preteen) Contains content that may be suitable for ages 10 and older. Titles in this category may contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language, minimal and/or infrequent blood and/or minimal suggestive themes. Added to the ESRB ratings icons on March 2nd, [[2005]]. ''Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat'' was the first game to receive this rating. Super Smash Bros. Melee and The Incredibles could possibly have had this rating if they were released after that date.  This rating is often likened to the MPAA's "PG" Rating.
|-
|-
| [[Image:ESRB_T.png|none|40px|ESRB Rating: T (Teen)]] || '''T''' — '''Teen''': This class usually contains scenes that are appropriate for teenagers, however not for a young audience. A game rated T may contain mild language, small amounts of blood, and light violence. [[Grand Theft Auto 2]] is an example.
| [[Image:ESRB_T.png|none|40px|ESRB Rating: T (Teen)]] || '''T''' — '''Teen''': Contains content that may be suitable for ages 13 and older. Titles in this category may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, mild sexual content, minimal blood and/or infrequent use of strong language. It is often likened to the MPAA's "PG-13" rating.
|-
|-
| [[Image:ESRB_M.png|none|40px|ESRB Rating: M (Mature)]] || '''M''' — '''Mature''': Games in this category contain violence, and may contain violence, strong language, and light sexual content.
| [[Image:ESRB_M.png|none|40px|ESRB Rating: M (Mature)]] || '''M''' — '''Mature''': Contains content that may be suitable for ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and/or strong language inappropriate for young audiences. It is often likened to the MPAA's "R" rating, and is the video game equivalent. Many retailers (such as Wal-Mart) have a policy of not selling games with this rating to minors without  parental presence and approval.
|-
|-
| [[Image:ESRB_AO.png|none|40px|ESRB Rating: AO (Adults Only)]] || '''AO''' — '''Adults Only''': Contains content suitable for adults over 18 years of age. Games contain strong violence, strong sexual content, strong language, use of drugs/alcohol, etc. Many people believe that this rating is used too sparingly, usually citing Manhunt as an underrated game (it received M), and thus argue it should be used more often.
| [[Image:ESRB_AO.png|none|40px|ESRB Rating: AO (Adults Only)]] || '''AO''' — '''Adults Only''': Contains content that is suitable only for adults. Titles in this category may include prolonged scenes of intense violence and/or graphic sexual content and nudity. This is often compared to the MPAA's "NC-17" rating because of the similar age limit and amount of restrictions that are placed on sales. As of [[2006]], there are 22 AO-rated products, most of which are available on [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] and Apple Macintosh computers, as well as the [[Phillips CD-i]]. The AO rating is a subject of heated controversy because of the extreme restrictions it puts on game sales. Notably, ''[[wikia:c:en.gta:Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas|Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]'' was re-rated AO due to the release of the "[[Wikia:c:en.gta:Hot Coffee mod|Hot Coffee]]" hack. '''Note:''' After the code in ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' was patched on the [[Personal Computer|PC]], a second edition was released with the old "Mature" rating.
|-
|-
|[[Image:ESRB_RP.png|none|40px|ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)]] || '''RP''' — '''Rating Pending''':  This rating indicates a game's rating is pending, and no games that are for sale ever feature this rating. It is only put on game advertisements, demo discs, etc. An example of a game RP is [[Grand Theft Auto IV]]
| [[Image:ESRB_RP.png|none|40px|ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)]] || '''RP''' — '''Rating Pending''':  Product has been submitted to the ESRB and is awaiting final rating. This symbol appears only in advertising prior to a game's release.
|}
|}
{{wikipedia}}
== Grand Theft Auto game ratings ==
== Grand Theft Auto game ratings ==
The ESRB have rated GTA games ranging from '''T''' (Teen) to '''AO''' (Adults only). [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]] was famously re-rated following the [[Hot Coffee]] incident, where its M rating was removed and changed to AO. A 2nd edition of the game was released shortly after, and the game regained it's M rating.
The ESRB have rated GTA games ranging from '''T''' (Teen) to '''AO''' (Adults only). [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]] was famously re-rated following the [[Hot Coffee]] incident, where its M rating was removed and changed to AO. A 2nd edition of the game was released shortly after, and the game regained it's M rating.
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* [[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories]] - '''M'''
* [[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories]] - '''M'''


==See Also==
==Content descriptors==
*[[BBFC]], the [[United Kingdom|British]] media rating system
*[[PEGI]], the [[Europe|European]] computer and video game rating system
*[[ELSPA]], the former [[United Kingdom|British]] computer and video game rating system, replaced by the PEGI ratings.
*[[USK]], the [[Germany|German]] computer and video game rating system
*[[OFLC]], the [[Australia|Australian]] media rating system
*[[OFLC (NZ)]], the [[New Zealand]] media rating system
*[[CERO]], the [[Japan|Japanese]] computer and video game rating system
 
==External Links==
*[http://www.esrb.org ESRB]
 
 
[[Category: Rating systems]]
 
 
{{info|The following text has been merged from a duplicate page}}
 
[[Image:ESRB Logo.gif|right]]The '''Entertainment Software Rating Board''' ('''ESRB''') is a self-regulatory organization that applies and enforces ratings, advertising guidelines, and online privacy principles for computer and video games and other entertainment software in the United States and Canada (officially adopted by individual provinces 2004-2005). It was established in [[1994]] by the [[Entertainment Software Association|Interactive Digital Software Association]]. By early [[2003]], it had rated over 8,000 titles submitted by 350 video game publishers. Many believe that the ESRB may promote media restriction, while others think that it is necessary for software to have content ratings. The decision to found the ESRB was influenced by the graphic "fatality" killing moves of [[wikia:c:MK|Mortal Kombat]] and other controversial video games depicting violent or sexual situations at the time, and by pressure from the United States government.
 
==Overview==
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 sites.
 
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.
 
==Ratings==
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 later part of 1999.
 
{|
| [[Image:ESRB_eC.png|none|75px|ESRB Rating: EC (Early Childhood)]] || '''EC''' — '''Early Childhood''': Contains content that may be suitable for ages 3 and older. Contains no material that parents would find inappropriate. Games that fall under this rating are specifically intended for young children and are usually educational in nature. However, some educational games with more complex problems (Such as the ''Dr. Brain'' series) may be rated E.
|-
| [[Image:ESRB_E.png|none|75px|ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)]] || '''E''' — '''Everyone''': Contains 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. It is often likened to the MPAA's "G" rating.
|-
| [[Image:ESRB_K-A.png|none|75px|ESRB Rating: K-A (Kids to Adults)]] || '''K-A''' — '''Kids to Adults''': Contains content that may be suitable for ages 6 and older. These titles will appeal to people of many ages and tastes. They may contain minimal violence, some comic mischief (for example, slapstick comedy), or some crude language. It was replaced by '''Everyone''' on January 1st, [[1998]].
|-
| [[Image:ESRBEplus.jpg|none|75px|ESRB Rating: E10+]] || '''E10+''' — '''Everyone 10 and older''':  (Also known as Preteen) Contains content that may be suitable for ages 10 and older. Titles in this category may contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language, minimal and/or infrequent blood and/or minimal suggestive themes. Added to the ESRB ratings icons on March 2nd, [[2005]]. ''Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat'' was the first game to receive this rating. Super Smash Bros. Melee and The Incredibles could possibly have had this rating if they were released after that date.  This rating is often likened to the MPAA's "PG" Rating.
|-
| [[Image:ESRB_T.png|none|75px|ESRB Rating: T (Teen)]] || '''T''' — '''Teen''': Contains content that may be suitable for ages 13 and older. Titles in this category may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, mild sexual content, minimal blood and/or infrequent use of strong language. It is often likened to the MPAA's "PG-13" rating.
|-
| [[Image:ESRB_M.png|none|75px|ESRB Rating: M (Mature)]] || '''M''' — '''Mature''': Contains content that may be suitable for ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and/or strong language inappropriate for young audiences. It is often likened to the MPAA's "R" rating, and is the video game equivalent. Many retailers (such as Wal-Mart) have a policy of not selling games with this rating to minors without  parental presence and approval.
|-
| [[Image:ESRB_AO_2.gif|none|75px|ESRB Rating: AO (Adults Only)]] || '''AO''' — '''Adults Only''': Contains content that is suitable only for adults. Titles in this category may include prolonged scenes of intense violence and/or graphic sexual content and nudity. This is often compared to the MPAA's "NC-17" rating because of the similar age limit and amount of restrictions that are placed on sales. As of [[2006]], there are 22 AO-rated products, most of which are available on [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] and Apple Macintosh computers, as well as the [[Phillips CD-i]]. The AO rating is a subject of heated controversy because of the extreme restrictions it puts on game sales. Notably, ''[[wikia:c:en.gta:Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas|Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]'' was re-rated AO due to the release of the "[[Wikia:c:en.gta:Hot Coffee mod|Hot Coffee]]" hack.
'''Note:''' After the code in ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' was patched on the [[Personal Computer|PC]], a second edition was released with the old "Mature" rating.
|-
| [[Image:ESRB_RP.png|none|75px|ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)]] || '''RP''' — '''Rating Pending''':  Product has been submitted to the ESRB and is awaiting final rating. This symbol appears only in advertising prior to a game's release.
|}
 
===Content descriptors===
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".
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".


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*'''Use of Tobacco''' — The consumption of tobacco products.
*'''Use of Tobacco''' — The consumption of tobacco products.
*'''Violence''' — Scenes involving aggressive conflict.
*'''Violence''' — Scenes involving aggressive conflict.
 
==Discontinued content descriptors==
===Discontinued content descriptors===
The following content descriptors have been updated and are no longer used, but they may appear on games published previously.
The following content descriptors have been updated and are no longer used, but they may appear on games published previously.


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*'''Realistic Blood and Gore''' — Photographic-like detailed depictions of blood or the mutilation of body parts.
*'''Realistic Blood and Gore''' — Photographic-like detailed depictions of blood or the mutilation of body parts.
*'''Realistic Violence''' — Photographic-like detailed depictions of characters in unsafe and/or violent situations.
*'''Realistic Violence''' — Photographic-like detailed depictions of characters in unsafe and/or violent situations.
==See Also==
*[[BBFC]], the [[United Kingdom|British]] media rating system
*[[PEGI]], the [[Europe|European]] computer and video game rating system
*[[ELSPA]], the former [[United Kingdom|British]] computer and video game rating system, replaced by the PEGI ratings.
*[[USK]], the [[Germany|German]] computer and video game rating system
*[[OFLC]], the [[Australia|Australian]] media rating system
*[[OFLC (NZ)]], the [[New Zealand]] media rating system
*[[CERO]], the [[Japan|Japanese]] computer and video game rating system
==External Links==
*[http://www.esrb.org ESRB]


==See Also==
{{wikipedia}}
*[[Office of Film and Literature Classification|OFLC]], the Australian media rating system
[[Category: Rating systems]]
* [[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association|ELSPA]], the former British computer and video game rating system, replaced by the PEGI ratings.
* [[PEGI]], the European computer and video game rating system
* [[BBFC]], the British Board of Film Classification
[[Category: Ratings|ESRB]]
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