Age Ratings in Game Development

19.02.2025

• A bit of history
• Pan European Game Information (PEGI)
• Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)
• Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO)
• Online Game Age-Appropriateness Warning
• Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (USK) 
• Age Rating Process
• Cost and terms of obtaining a rating
• The Impact of Age Ratings on Game Development
• Contact our legal team to learn more

In order to ensure the safety of minors, age ratings have been created in the video game industry. They help determine if a video game is appropriate for a certain age and serve as a guarantee that children will not be exposed to inappropriate content.

Different regions have their own age ratings, which usually take into account aspects such as violence, sexual content, drug use, and obscene language.

A bit of history

Age ratings in the video game industry have emerged as a response to growing public concern about the content of games and their impact on children and teens. The history of their emergence and development has several key stages:

1. In the 1980s, when video games began to gain popularity, there was no uniform age rating system. However, with the increase in the number of games with violence and other controversial elements, the first attempts at regulation began to appear. For example, in 1982, Atari introduced its own game labeling system.
    
2. In 1994, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) was created in the United States in response to public debate and congressional hearings over violence in video games such as Mortal Kombat and Night Trap.
    
3. In 2003, the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system was introduced in Europe, which combined various national rating systems into a single structure. 

Over time, rating systems such as ESRB and PEGI have become international standards. Many countries have adapted these systems or created their own based on them. For example, Australia has the Australian Classification Board (ACB), and Japan has the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO).

Pan European Game Information (PEGI)

PEGI is an age classification system for video games that was created to ensure that minors are protected from content that may be inappropriate for them. PEGI has been in effect since 2003, and applies to most European countries. Its main purpose is to provide parents with information about the content of video games so that they can make informed decisions about their children's use of video games. 

PEGI uses age ratings and content descriptors that indicate the presence of violence, drugs, gambling, and sexual content in the game. For example, an icon with a fist indicates the presence of violence, and an icon with a syringe indicates the presence of drugs.

PEGI age categories:

• 3+: The game is suitable for all ages.
• 7+: The game may contain scenes that may scare young children.
• 12+: The game may contain mild violence, profanity, or sexual innuendo.
• 16+: The game may contain realistic violence, sexual activity, or drug use.
• 18+: The game is intended for adults only and may contain scenes of violent violence, sexual nature, or drug use.

The PEGI system is recognised and supported by many European governments and is an important tool for regulating gaming content and protecting children from potentially harmful exposure. But some countries have special legislation. For example, in Germany, the Federal Committee for the Supervision of Publications Harmful to Young People was created; in Ireland, consumers can call a dedicated hotline to leave a complaint about a game that violates these rules.

PEGI regulation is based on the Code of Conduct, and may include the following responsibilities for developers and publishers:

• Developers and publishers are required to accurately specify age ratings and content descriptors, otherwise violation of the rules may result in the revocation of the license to use PEGI logos and descriptors, as well as other sanctions.
• Video game advertising and marketing must be in line with the age rating of the game. For example, games rated 18+ should not be advertised in places where they can be seen by children.
• Publishers must inform retailers about the need to comply with age restrictions when selling video games. This includes training employees and ensuring that games are not sold to anyone under a set age.

Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

ESRB is an American age classification system for video games, which provides information about the content of video games. This system has been in operation since 1994, and is used in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It covers all major gaming platforms and is part of the parental control tools provided by these platforms. ESRB ratings are also used in digital stores such as PlayStation Store, Xbox Live, and Nintendo eShop.

The ESRB also uses content descriptors that indicate the presence of elements such as violence, profanity, sexual content, drug use, and gambling in the game.

ESRB age categories:

• EC (Early Childhood): For younger children.
• E (Everyone): For all ages.
• E10+ (Everyone 10 and older): 10 years and older.
• T (Teen): 13 years and older.
• M (Mature): 17 years and older.
• AO (Adults Only): Adults only.

Although the use of ESRB ratings is not required by law, most major publishers and platforms adhere to this system. Some US states have laws that require video games with certain ratings to be sold only to adults. The ESRB also partners with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce advertising and marketing regulations.

Developers and publishers wishing to receive an ESRB rating must submit their games for evaluation by providing a detailed description of the content and, in some cases, video footage. The ESRB analyzes the submitted material and assigns the game an appropriate rating. Violation of ESRB rules may result in fines, rating revocation, and other sanctions.

Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO)

CERO is the Japanese age classification for video games. It has been in effect since 2002 and applies to all major gaming platforms. This system provides information about the content of video games in order for parents to make informed decisions about their children's use of video games. 

CERO contains content descriptors that indicate the presence of elements such as violence, profanity, sexual content, drug use, and gambling in the game.

CERO age categories:

• A (All Ages): For all ages.
• B (Ages 12 and up): 12 years and older.
• C (Ages 15 and up): 15 years and older.
• D (Ages 17 and up): 17 years and older.
• Z (Ages 18 and up): Adults only.

The system was created as a division of the Computer Entertainment Providers Association (CESA) and became an officially recognized non-profit organization in December 2003. CERO is not required by law, but most publishers and platforms in Japan adhere to this system. Sometimes games that do not meet CERO standards may be banned from sale.

Developers and publishers who wish to receive a CERO rating must submit their games for evaluation with a detailed description of the content and videos. CERO analyzes the submitted material and assigns the game an appropriate rating. Violation of CERO rules can lead to the revocation of the rating and other sanctions.

Online Game Age-Appropriateness Warning

Online Game Age-Appropriateness Warning is a Chinese system aimed at protecting minors from inappropriate content. It was created in 2020 with the participation of major gaming companies such as Tencent and NetEase. It is applied throughout China and covers major gaming platforms. The system is regulated by the China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association (CADPA).

The Chinese age system also uses content descriptors that indicate the presence of the following elements in the game: violence, profanity, sexual content, gambling.

Age categories of the Chinese age system:

• 6+: from 6 years and older.
• 8+: from 8 years and older.
• 12+: from 12 years and older.
• 16+: 16 years and older.
• 18+: Adults only.

The Chinese age system is based on government standards and is governed by legislation aimed at protecting minors from harmful content. Video games must undergo mandatory testing, and receive an appropriate age rating before the game is released. Violation may result in the imposition of a fine and a ban on the distribution of the game. Failure to specify age restrictions may also result in the imposition of a fine or other sanctions.

Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (USK) 

USK is the German age classification system for video games and other entertainment programs. It was founded in 1994 and is used throughout Germany. USK provides information about the content of games to help consumers, especially parents, make decisions about the purchase and use of video games. USK covers all major gaming platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. It is also used in digital stores such as PlayStation Store, Xbox Live, and other platforms available in Germany.

USK uses content descriptors that indicate the presence of elements such as violence, profanity, sexual content, and drug use in the game.

USK Age Ratings:

• 0: Suitable for all ages.
• 6: Suitable for children 6 years old and above.
• 12: Suitable for children 12 years old and above.
• 16: Suitable for teenagers 16 years and older.
• 18: Adults 18 years of age and above only.

The USK system is governed by German law, in particular the Youth Protection Act (Jugendschutzgesetz). According to this law, all video games distributed in Germany must undergo mandatory verification and receive an appropriate age rating from the USK. Violation of these requirements can lead to fines and a ban on the distribution of products.

Video game developers and publishers are required to provide a detailed description of the content of their games in order to obtain an age rating. They should also indicate age ratings on packaging, in digital stores, and on game loading screens. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in license revocation and other sanctions.

Age Rating Process

1. Preparation of materials. The developers are collecting all the necessary materials, including a description of the game, gameplay videos, and screenshots, which will be evaluated by a rating organization.
    
2. Application. Developers submit an application to the appropriate rating organization. For example, in the United States it is ESRB, in Europe it is PEGI, and in Japan it is CERO.
    
3. Content evaluation. The rating organization analyzes the materials provided and evaluates the content of the game for compliance with the established criteria.
    
4. Assignment of a rating. After evaluating the content, the video game is assigned an appropriate age rating, which must be indicated on the packaging and in marketing materials.

Cost and terms of obtaining a rating

• Cost. In most cases, developers must pay for the services of a rating organization. For example, the cost of obtaining an ESRB rating can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the scale of the project.
• Time. The process of getting a rating can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The time depends on the complexity of the game and the workload of the rating organization. For example, it usually takes about 4-6 weeks to get a PEGI rating.

The Impact of Age Ratings on Game Development

Age ratings have a great impact on the content and structure of a video game. Each of the previously considered rating systems has its own unique criteria and requirements.

Game developers are often faced with the need to adapt content depending on the target market. For example, in the United States, the ESRB system may require the modification of violent or sexual content in order to obtain a lower rating, which allows the game to reach a wider audience. In Japan, the CERO system may be more restrictive on images of blood and violence, requiring developers to make changes to graphics and storylines.

Most often, age systems contain the following restrictions:

• Limits on the level and realism of violence.
• Prohibition or restriction on sexual scenes and nudity.
• Restrictions on the depiction of drug and alcohol use.
• Restrictions on the use of profanity.

These requirements force developers to carefully consider every aspect of the game in order to meet established standards and avoid being banned from sale in certain countries.

Examples of games that have been changed to match age ratings include: Grand Theft Auto V. In some countries, scenes of violence and sexual content have been removed or altered to get a lower rating. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. In Japan, the game was modified to reduce the amount of blood and violence. South Park: The Stick of Truth. In Europe, some scenes have been cut or altered to comply with PEGI requirements.

This suggests that age ratings have an impact on the final result of a video game, and require developers to be flexible and willing to change.

---

Dear journalists, use of material from the REVERA website in publications is only possible with our written permission. 

To approve material, please contact i.antonova@revera.legal or Telegram: https://t.me/PR_revera