Video Game Rating

Video game ratings carry one of seven logos showing age recommendations:

EC (Early Childhood) - age 3+
KA (Kids to Adult) - age 6+: Minimal violence, slapstick comedy, some crude language.
E (Everyone) - As of January 1998, the new "Everyone" designation replaced the "Kids to Adults" rating.
T (Teens) - age 13+: Violence, profanity, mild sexual themes
M (Mature) - age 17+: More intense violence, profanity, mature sexual themes
A (Adult Only) - Adults only: due to graphic violence and sexual themes, not for persons under 18.
RP (Rating Pending) - Product has been submitted to the ESRB and is awaiting final rating.

On June 26, 2003 the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) revised its rating system by adding four new content descriptors and requiring more visible descriptive labels on game packages. The four new content descriptors identify different kinds of violence in video games.

Cartoon violence "violent actions involving cartoon-like characters."

Fantasy violence "human or non-human characters easily distinguishable from real life."

Intense violence "graphic and realistic-looking depictions of physical conflict."

Sexual violence "depictions of rape or other violent sexual acts."

For addidtional helpful information please see:

• PTA Media Guide
• Children’s Software
• Gamer Dad
• What They Play
• NetSmartz
• On Guard Online
• Web Wise Kids
• Wired Safety
• I Keep Safe
• Common Sense Media
• Net Literacy