What do video game ratings mean

Such purchases include additional content bonus levels, outfits, surprise items, music , but also upgrades e. This content descriptor is sometimes accompanied by an additional notice if the in-game purchases include random items like loot boxes or card packs. Paid random items comprise all in-game offers where players don't know exactly what they are getting prior to the purchase.

Depending on the game, these items may be purely cosmetic or they may have functional value. The notice is always displayed underneath or near the age label and content descriptors:. PEGI 7 Game content with scenes or sounds that can possibly be frightening to younger children should fall in this category. PEGI 12 Video games that show violence of a slightly more graphic nature towards fantasy characters or non-realistic violence towards human-like characters would fall in this age category.

PEGI 16 This rating is applied once the depiction of violence or sexual activity reaches a stage that looks the same as would be expected in real life. According to the U. The late U. Introduced in , Rating Summaries provide greater detail about the content in physical games rated by the ESRB, and are exclusively available on this website or the ESRB mobile app by conducting a title search.

Learn More. Where to Find Ratings Make sure you know where to look to find ESRB rating information, no matter where you buy or download video games and apps. Can any online service display the Kids Seal? Do you conduct any privacy reviews after the initial assessment? What requirements must the online service meet to utilize the Kids Seal? In addition, operators agree: To work with us to resolve your privacy complaints and questions; To maintain reasonable procedures to protect the confidentiality, security and integrity of your personal information and data; and Not to collect personal information and data unless it is necessary and being utilized.

View More. 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 Real Gambling Betting like behavior 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.

Interactive Elements In-Game Purchases Contains in-game offers to purchase digital goods or premiums with real world currency, including but not limited to bonus levels, skins, music, virtual coins and other forms of in-game currency, subscriptions, season passes and upgrades e.

Unrestricted Internet Provides unrestricted access to the internet e. Follow Xbox. Violent actions involving cartoon-like characters. May include violence where a character is unharmed after the action has been inflicted. Game reviews printed in newspapers and Web sites are excellent sources of information. To search for games that are appropriate based on age categories and content, use the ESRB online ratings search feature.

ESRB also urges parents to talk with their children about their favorite games. Playing the games with your children helps stimulate those discussions and is a fun way to spend time together.

Parent's Guide to Game Ratings. Additional Reading. Mario made his debut in Donkey Kong in , but his name then was "Jumpman". Titles in this category contain no material that parents would find inappropriate.

Adults Only products are not intended for people under the age of Violent actions involving cartoon-like characters. Content of product provides user with specific skills development or reinforcement learning within an entertainment setting. Violent actions of a fantasy nature, involving human or non-human characters in situations easily distinguishable from real life.

Overall content of product contains data, facts, resource information, reference materials or instructional text. Graphic and realistic-looking depictions of physical conflict.