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Video games ratings signage heading to independent shops

Although video games are often a target for politicians and other lobbyist groups aimlessly finding a scapegoat cause for violent acts, the video game industry features one of the best ratings systems of all modern entertainment media.

Parents buying video games for their children would be wise to review the ratings and game descriptions provided by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Despite the clearly marked ratings on the front of every game box, some parents are still unaware of how they can use these ratings to make responsible decisions when purchasing.

In a big effort to further educate consumers, the ESRB and Ingram Entertainment are launching an initiative through which 10,000 independent and small chain retailers nationwide will receive in-store signage educating consumers about ratings and store policies regarding the sale or rental of Mature-rated video games to those under the age of 17.

"The ESRB actively supports retailers in their efforts with respect to the sale or rental of video games, and their support of the ratings has been tremendous, as evidenced by the most recent report from the FTC," said ESRB president Patricia Vance. "Our partnership with national retail outlets continues to be strong, and with the help of Ingram Entertainment we're helping smaller, independent retailers across the country inform their consumers about the rating system and support their store policies."

The ESRB rating system includes six age-based rating categories: EC (Early Childhood) for ages 3+; E (Everyone) for ages 6+; E10+ (Everyone 10 and older); T (Teen) for ages 13+; M (Mature) for ages 17+; and AO (Adults Only) which indicates that the game should only be played by adults age 18 and older. The rating system also includes over 30 content descriptors, found next to the rating on the back of game packages, which describe content in the game that may be of interest or concern to parents or may have triggered a rating category, including violence, sexual content, language, use or depiction of controlled substances, and gambling.

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No ratings...
By NoSoftwarePatents on 6/1/2007 12:46:55 PM , Rating: 2
I remember the days up to the early 90's where video games didn't have a "rating."

If I ever made a web-based video game, I 'aint puttin' no rating on it.




RE: No ratings...
By Mazzer on 6/1/2007 12:54:19 PM , Rating: 4
Remember that things have changed. In the 90's when I was playing Doom and fired a shot gun at some monster some red pixels showed up and the thing went away. Now when I shotgun something in todays games I am greeted with limbs flying off, blood, guts, and head just plain roll. Personally I don't think people who aren't of age or maturity don't need to be exposed to these kind of things.


RE: No ratings...
By danz32 on 6/1/2007 1:40:08 PM , Rating: 2
It nice that they are putting an effort into this, but people will find a seller or another person who would give them access to the game anyway (ie: underage smoking/drinking). Plus, although it is hoped, increased age does not necessarily mean increased maturity. They should spend money on educating people in how to play video games without turning it into real life negative consquences.


RE: No ratings...
By christojojo on 6/1/2007 5:49:12 PM , Rating: 3
I don't mind ratings as long as they are accurate and informative. What I DO mind are retailers that censor content by not selling it to adults. I understand bad press and not selling it to minors. As a parent, I would be upset if my 11 year old bought GTA IV (I will buy and play it without him around thank you).

I hate when some other adult, groups of adults tell me what is proper to buy, wear, say, and think. I have my views of God and of Atheism, I don't need people to tell me what to do, that is what education is really for learning how to think for yourself.


RE: No ratings...
By NoSoftwarePatents on 6/1/2007 11:27:15 PM , Rating: 2
Ratings are probably needed today, because some parents would rather have a TV or a video game raise their child than do it themselves.

However, by the time Doom came out (1993), I had already been prepped with older games from Time Killers (1992) to Namco's Splatterhouse (1988), so Doom was mostly an incremental violence upgrade as far as the overall timeline of video games go. So yes, things HAVE changed, but for long term gamers, only incrementally.


cool.
By nekobawt on 6/1/2007 11:22:22 AM , Rating: 2
I just hope it's more effective than putting the Surgeon General's warnings on cigarette packs was. :/




RE: cool.
By Rage187 on 6/1/2007 2:10:55 PM , Rating: 4
They are helpful; I only smoke the ones that will hurt fetuses.


Future
By TimberJon on 6/1/2007 12:17:03 PM , Rating: 3
Game consoles will require a "codex" or fingerprint scan in order to allow the game to be played by the individual. The controller will constantly read the various fingerprints in order to keep a constant profile to determine whether or not the individual is of the proper age to play the ESRB rated video game.

Pffaahh.




RE: Future
By HVAC on 6/1/2007 1:55:12 PM , Rating: 2
...and will set off alarms and flashing lights, spray indelible UV detectable ink on you, and call you insulting names if you are underage.

I wouldn't buy one of them....and I'm old....


Must be alot of dumb parents out there
By Hakuryu on 6/1/2007 4:42:14 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Despite the clearly marked ratings on the front of every game box, some parents are still unaware of how they can use these ratings to make responsible decisions when purchasing.


It took me all of 5 seconds to understand the ratings on game boxes. They are clearly marked with understandable letters like "MA" for mature, and list next to that exactly what gives the rating like "violence, blood, sex". If any parent cannot understand how to use that information to decide if they should buy a game for their child... the parent needs to return to grade school.

Sounds very fishy to me. This campaign sounds more like a tool to make the ratings system look good before the next whackjob comes along blaming games for something. If it actually helps though, I'm all for it... educate away.




By christojojo on 6/1/2007 5:56:58 PM , Rating: 3
I think the only way you get the 'I don't understand the box label' answer is by telephone polls (no, the ones you hang wires on (poles) the Q & A ones).

You call up people, who don't even buy games. They answer they don't understand them. Plus add some goofy kids and adults that like to give some 'funny' answers and you get some bad data.


Or.....
By FITCamaro on 6/1/2007 3:41:57 PM , Rating: 2
Parents could do their jobs and care what their kids are doing. Teach them the difference between right and wrong. Spank them when they misbehave and reward them occasionally when they're good. Then it doesn't matter what kinds of games they play. They'll still be a good person.

Oh right its much easier to sue and spanking your kid is now considered child abuse by many....




By ralahinn1 on 6/1/2007 3:52:50 PM , Rating: 2
Lol, I think this is great, the part of the public that usually doesn't know one game from another can make sensible choices when it comes to picking up games. Maybe we won't get the whiners who don't get the dark humor in some games and they can stick to Barney and Barbie games;).Maybe "wacky Jack" will quiet down some, if he can't sue on the spur of the moment.




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