ESRB Game Rating & Content Descriptors
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings are designed to provide information about video and computer game content, so you can make informed purchase decisions. ESRB ratings have two parts: rating symbols suggest age appropriateness for the game, and content descriptors indicate elements in a game that may have triggered a particular rating and/or may be of interest or concern.
To take full advantage of the ESRB rating system, it's important to check both the rating symbol (on the front of the game box) and the content descriptors (on the back of the game box).
ESRB Rating Symbols
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Early Childhood
Titles rated "Early Childhood (EC)," also known as "Kids to Adults (KA)," have content suitable for children ages three and older and do not contain any material that parents would find inappropriate. |
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Everyone
Titles rated "Everyone (E)" have content suitable for persons ages six and older. These titles will appeal to people of many ages and tastes. They may contain minimal violence, some comic mischief (for example, slapstick comedy), or some crude language. |
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Everyone 10+
Titles rated “Everyone 10 and older (E10+)” have content that may be suitable for persons ages 10 and older. Titles in this category may contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language, and/or minimal suggestive themes. |
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Teen
Titles rated "Teen (T)" have content suitable for persons ages 13 and older. Titles in this category may contain violent content, mild or strong language, and/or suggestive themes. |
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Mature
Titles rated "Mature (M)" have content suitable for persons ages 17 and older. These products may include more intense violence or language than products in the Teen category. In addition, these titles may also include mature sexual themes. |
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Adults Only
Titles rated "Adults Only (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/nudity. |
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Rating Pending
Product has been submitted to the ESRB and is awaiting final rating. |
ESRB Content Descriptors
- Alcohol Reference - Reference to and/or images of alcoholic beverages.
- Animated Blood - Cartoon or pixilated depictions of blood.
- Blood - Depictions of blood.
- Blood and Gore - Depictions of blood or the mutilation of body parts.
- Cartoon Violence - Violent actions involving cartoon-like characters. May include violence where a character is unharmed after the action has been inflicted.
- Comic Mischief - Scenes depicting slapstick or gross vulgar humor.
- Crude Humor - Moderately vulgar antics, including bathroom humor.
- Drug Reference - Reference to and/or images of illegal drugs.
- Edutainment - Content of product provides user with specific skills development or reinforcement learning within an entertainment setting. Skill development is an integral part of product.
- Fantasy Violence - Violent actions of a fantasy nature, involving human or non-human characters in situations easily distinguishable from real life.
- Informational - Overall content of product contains data, facts, resource information, reference materials or instructional text.
- Intense Violence - Graphic and realistic-looking depictions of physical conflict. May involve extreme and/or realistic blood, gore, weapons, and depictions of human injury and death.
- Language - Mild to moderate use of profanity.
- Lyrics - Mild references to profanity, sexuality, violence, alcohol, or drug use in music.
- Mature Humor - Vulgar and/or crude jokes and antics including “bathroom” humor.
- Mild Violence - Mild scenes depicting characters in unsafe and/or violent situations.
- Nudity - Graphic or prolonged depictions of nudity.
- Partial Nudity - Brief and mild depictions of nudity.
- Real Gambling - Player can gamble, including betting or wagering real cash or currency.
- Sexual Themes - Mild to moderate sexual references and/or depictions. May include partial nudity.
- Sexual Violence - Depictions of rape or other sexual acts.
- Simulated Gambling - Player can gamble without betting or wagering real cash or currency.
- Some Adult Assistance May Be Needed - Early Childhood Descriptor only.
- Strong Language - Profanity and explicit references to sexuality, violence, alcohol, or drug use.
- Strong Lyrics - Profanity and explicit references to sex, violence, alcohol, or drug use in music.
- Strong Sexual Content - Graphic depiction of sexual behavior, possibly including nudity.
- Suggestive Themes - Mild provocative references or materials.
- Tobacco Reference - Reference to and/or images of tobacco products.
- Use of Drugs - The consumption or use of illegal drugs.
- Use of Alcohol - The consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Use of Tobacco - The consumption of tobacco products.
- Violence - Scenes involving aggressive conflict.
Additionally, online games that include user-generated content (eg. chat, maps, skins) carry the notice “Game Experience May Change During Online Play.” For the most up to date list of content descriptors and definitions, go to www.esrb.org.
About Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is a self-regulatory body established in 1994 by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). ESRB independently applies and enforces ratings, advertising guidelines, and online privacy principles adopted by the industry.