When Did Video Game Ratings Start

When did video game ratings start? Moreover, what do ratings really mean when selecting the right video games for our children?

While some video game companies may have had a voluntary warning system on their titles, it wasn't until the establishment of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in 1994 that there was an official and standardized rating system for video games. In this way, when you ask when did video game ratings start, the general consensus lies with the establishment of the ESRB in 1994. The ESRB, a public company, is based in Canada and the United States.

Many people believe that Mortal Kombat was the tipping point that led to the establishment of this rating system. That's because the Mortal Kombat characters partook in some incredibly violent maneuvers, including decapitation and hearts being ripped out of chests. As one of the most violent video games of the time, Mortal Kombat also contained copious amounts of blood. Parents were concerned and urged for the founding of the ESRB.

Aside from the RP (Rating Pending) rating, there are currently six official video game ratings from the ESRB. These are based largely on age, much like the movie rating system.

• EC - Early Childhood: These games are suitable for children under three years of age and are typically educational in nature. There are no concerns over video game violence in these titles.
• E - Everyone: The vast majority of games tend to fall into this video game rating. These titles are deemed suitable for everyone over the age of six, possibly containing minimal violence or mild language.
• E10+ - Everyone 10+: This category is similar to E for Everyone, except these games may contain greater violence, language, animated blood, or suggestive themes. These titles are suitable for children over ten years of age.
• T - Teen: Unsuitable for children under 13 years of age, these games may contain greater violence, crude humor, simulating gambling, and strong language. A game like Guitar Hero III received a rating of Teen for mildly suggestive themes and song lyrics that may not be suitable for all children.
• M - Mature: Because of the possible inclusion of sex, mature violence, and mature themes, Mature games are deemed inappropriate for those under the age of 18. An example of a controversial M-Mature game would be Grand Theft Auto IV. Certain retailers have a policy of not selling Mature games to those under the age of 17.
• AO - Adults Only: These adult video games may be pornographic in nature and may contain excessive blood and gore. Very few games receive this rating, because Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft all prohibit the sale of AO games on their respective consoles.

Now you know when did video game ratings start, as well as what these ratings are and how they work.

Even though we now have a standardized video games rating system, there are still individuals like Jack Thompson who decry the violence and mature themes found in many video games. In this way, it is important that parents and guardians still play a prominent role in choosing appropriate video games for their children. The ESRB rating system is simply a guideline, so personal and parental discretion is strongly advised.

When did video game ratings start? That was in 1994. When will parents take more responsibility for their children's gaming choices? That's up to you to decide.

• Video Game Violence Statistics
• History of Video Games Timeline
• Top Strategy Games

• Street Fighter Characters
• Free Online Horse Games
• Nintendogs Cheat Codes: Unlockable Breeds
• Street Fighter Characters 2
• Play Zuma Online for Free

• Mortal Kombat Characters
• Mortal Kombat
• PS3 Themes
• Category:Video Games
• Video Game Violence