If you are a video or computer game purchaser or user, you may or may not be familiar with the rating system for this type of software. Whether you are buying for yourself or someone else, it is important that you understand how the system works and how the actual game rating is determined. For those who have children in their home it is especially important for you to know what the letters (i.e. E, T, M, AO) mean before you bring a new game into your home. The rating system is a good tool to help anyone determine the appropriateness of the software.
In the past, entertainment software was pretty simplified with pixilated graphics and very basic sound capabilities, but in the last decade it has changed drastically. A game can be made very realistic. This is exciting for those who like to use the latest software and it can make the gaming experience much more enjoyable. But, in addition to the vastly improved technology, graphics and sound on the software, many game products are becoming increasingly more violent, and more "adult in their themes. The ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) was established as an independent group to rate each game according to age appropriateness.
Each rating is determined by an independent panel of three reviewers who are not connected with the entertainment software industry. They look thoroughly at the product and using a "grading" sheet, mark what elements are contained in the game. Most of the time the panel agrees on a rating, but if not, more reviewers are sometimes used. Then the panel submits their findings to the ESRB who gives them to the manufacturer. Entertainment software companies do not have to use the ESRB, but virtually all of them do. The ESRB has also established the ARC (Advertising Review Council) which regulates "truth in advertising" for the ads and packaging of a game.
The ratings have two parts. When you purchase software, you will see a bold black letter in a white box on the front of the packaging. This is the symbol. The symbols run from eC (for Early Childhood) to AO (for Adults Only.) Ratings are based on the amount of violence, sexuality, drug use, gambling, and other material. On the back of the package you will find another box with a block letter in it. This is the content descriptor box. It will have details of what the content of the software is. This gives you further information to base your purchasing decisions on.
As a parent or guardian, it is your choice and responsibility to make the entertainment in your home appropriate.
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