Violence In Video Games: Understanding The Rating System
As video games have become a part of most family’s lives, parents have realized the need to discover what kind of games their children are playing. Video game violence is a very real concern for many parents. Learning how the rating system gauges violence in video games and rates games can help parents determine what is appropriate for their children.
Determining The Level Of Violence In Video Games
The Entertainment Software Rating Board was developed to evaluate not only video games, but also software games for computers. Most of the games that are sold in North America are rated through this board and its rating system. The ESRB views the games and then determines the rating the game will receive. They have a structured rating system that is strictly enforced. Violence in video games is only one aspect of the rating system. They also determine the age range that would be suitable for the game.
The ESRB also has a sub committee the Advertising Review Council that will hear complaints about the ratings of games and review the ratings. They also check into how and what age groups the games is being marketed to.
The ESRB uses the following rating system in regards to games. Violence in video games is a growing concern, checking the rating of a game can help consumers.
If a game is rated EC this stands for early childhood and parents will find that the game is appropriate for children 3 and up, and parents will find these games suitable for young children.
As far as violence in video games goes, a game rated E may have some mild cartoon mischief or violence and very mild language. These games are good for everyone.
The next rating is E10; there again may be mild violence, or mildly suggestive themes or even mild language.
The next level is T for teen. As far as violence in video games goes, these rated games have violence, suggestive themes or strong language. A suggestion of 13 or older is placed on these games. The violence in video games begins to become progressively stronger as the game ratings go up.
M rated games are for mature players. These games may have sexual themes, strong language and violence. Again, the higher the rating the more likely the violence in video games there is possible.
Violence in video games is an ever increasing concern. It is important that if parents have a question about a game that they watch the game themselves. Some games that are rated E can still contain fairly violent scenes when a player takes charge of the game. Keep that in mind when determining which games will work for your family.
