Okay, we are referring to video games here, right? Together with television and the movies, video games are cool games for kids. They have created the most impact on them in the last several decades. How are parents to watch out for their kids and ensure that they grow up with a realistic perception and appreciation of things going on around them? Choosing age-appropriate video games is the first step. Taking advantage of ESRB ratings on the game will help parents in choosing what will be good for them.
Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) has seven different ratings assigned to each game:
“EC” Early Childhood – Titles rated “EC” have content that may be suitable for ages 3 and older. Contains no material that parents would find inappropriate.
“E” Everyone – Titles rated “E” 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.
“E10+” Everyone 10+ – Titles rated E10+ 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.
“T” Teen – Titles rated T have content that may be suitable for ages 13 and older. Titles in this category may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood and/or infrequent use of strong language.
“M” Mature Titles rated M 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.
“AO” Adults Only – Titles rated AO 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.
“RP” Rating Pending – Titles listed as RP – have been submitted to the ESRB and are awaiting final rating. (This symbol appears only in advertising prior to a game’s release.)
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