Video game content rating system
A video game content rating system is a system used for the classification of video games based on suitability for target audiences. Most of these systems are associated with and/or sponsored by a government, and are sometimes part of the local motion picture rating system. The utility of such ratings has been called into question by studies that publish findings such as 90% of teenagers claim that their parents "never" check the ratings before allowing them to rent or buy video games, and as such, calls have been made to "fix" the existing rating systems. Video game content rating systems can be used as the basis for laws that cover the sales of video games to minors, such as in Australia. Rating checking and approval is part of the game localization when they are being prepared for their distribution in other countries or locales. These rating systems have also been used to voluntarily restrict sales of certain video games by stores, such as the German retailer Galeria Kaufhof's removal of all video games rated 18+ by the USK following the Winnenden school shooting.
Comparison table
A comparison of current video game rating systems, showing age on the horizontal axis. Note however that the specific criteria used in assigning a classification can vary widely from one country to another. Thus a color code or age range cannot be directly compared from one country to another.Key:
- White – No restrictions: Suitable for all ages / Aimed at young audiences / Exempt / Not rated / No applicable rating.
- Yellow – Advisory: Parental guidance is suggested for designated age range.
- Purple – Strong advisory: Not recommended for a younger audience but not restricted.
- Red – Restricted: Parental accompaniment required for younger audiences.
- Black – Prohibitive: Exclusively for older audience / Purchase age-restricted / Banned.
Initial controversy
Similar to other forms of media, video games have been the subject of argument between leading professionals and restriction and prohibition. Often these bouts of criticism come from use of debated topics such as video game graphic violence, virtual sex, violent and gory scenes, partial or full nudity, drug use, portrayal of criminal behavior or other provocative and objectionable material.Video games have also been studied for links to addiction and aggression. A meta analysis of studies from both eastern and western countries yielded evidence that "strongly suggests that exposure to violent video games is a causal risk factor for increased aggressive behavior, aggressive cognition, and aggressive affect and for decreased empathy and prosocial behavior."
There are also groups that have argued to the contrary, that few if any scientifically proven studies exist to back up these claims, and that the video game industry has become an easy target for the media to blame for many contemporary issues. Researchers have also proposed potential positive effects of video games on aspects of social and cognitive development and psychological well-being. It has been shown that action video game players have better hand-eye coordination and visuo-motor skills, such as their resistance to distraction, their sensitivity to information in the peripheral vision and their ability to count briefly presented objects, than non-players.
Rating systems
Argentina
The law 26.043 states that the National Council of Children, Youth and Family in coordination with the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts will be the government agencies that assigns age ratings. The Argentine Game Developer Association was critical of the law. There are three ratings: "Suitable for all public", "Suitable for those over 13 years of age" and "Suitable for those over 18 years of age".Australia
- Advisory categories
- * General – General. The content is very mild in impact. The G classification is suitable for everyone.
- * Parental Guidance – Parental guidance recommended. The content is mild in impact. It is not recommended for viewing or playing by persons under 15 without guidance from parents or guardians.
- * Mature – Recommended for mature audiences. The content is moderate in impact. Children under 15 may legally access this material because it is an advisory category. However, M classified films and computer games may include classifiable elements such as violence and nudity of moderate impact that are not recommended for children under 15 years.
- Restricted categories
- * Mature Accompanied – Not suitable for people under 15. Under 15s must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. The content is strong in impact.
- * Restricted – Restricted to 18 years and over. The content is high in impact. Despite this category being legally restricted, in Queensland the restriction is not applicable to persons under 2.
Austria
There is no uniform ratings system in Austria, and the nine states regulate content in different ways. The two main systems are PEGI and Germany's USK system.Brazil
The advisory rating rates films, games and television shows in Brazil. It is controlled by the Ministry of Justice.Chile
Games are classified by the Council of Cinematographic Classification which is a central agency under the Ministry of Education.The current age ratings are:
- ER – Recommended for children.
- TE – All ages.
- 8+ – Not recommended for children under 8 years of age.
- 14+ – Not recommended for children under 14 years of age.
- 18+ – Not recommended for children under 18 years of age.
China
China introduced a pilot content rating system in December 2020 called the Online Game Age-Appropriateness Warning, which is overseen by the governmental agency . Games with online components are required to show one of the three classifications on websites and registration pages: green for "8+", blue for "12+", and yellow for "16+".Europe
The Pan European Game Information is a European video game content rating system established to help European parents make informed decisions on buying computer games with logos on games boxes. It was developed by the Interactive Software Federation of Europe and came into use in April 2003; it replaced many national age rating systems with a single European system. The PEGI system is now used in more than thirty-one countries and is based on a code of conduct, a set of rules to which every publisher using the PEGI system is contractually committed. PEGI self-regulation is composed by five age categories and seven content descriptors that advise the suitability and content of a game for a certain age range based on the games content. The ratings are:- 3: Suitable for all age groups.
- 7: Not suitable for younger children.
- 12: Not suitable for persons under 12 years of age.
- 16: Not suitable for persons under 16 years of age.
- 18: For adults.
Germany
Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle , is Germany's software rating organization founded in 1994.- USK 0 - Playable for all ages
- USK 6 - Ages 6 and over
- USK 12 - Ages 12 and over
- USK 16 - Ages 16 and over
- USK 18 - Ages 18 and over
Hong Kong and Macau
The Regulation on the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles requires that Class II publications must use this statutory warning slogan, and must be marked in both Chinese and English, and the font size must account for 20% of the total area:
Indonesia
The Indonesia Game Rating System is the official video game content rating system founded and set by the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Informatics in 2016. IGRS rates games that are developed and published in Indonesia. There are 5 classifications of ratings based on the game content, which includes the use of alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, violence, blood, language, sexual content, etc.These are the following classifications:
- 3+ Age 3 and over. No restricted content is shown including adult content, use of drugs, gambling simulation, and online interactions.
- 7+ Age 7 and over. No restricted content is shown including adult content, use of drugs, gambling simulation, and online interactions.
- 13+ Age 13 and over. Restricted contents are partially shown, including light use of drugs and alcohol by figures/background characters, cartoon violence, mild language, gambling simulation, horror theme, and online interactions.
- 15+ Age 15 and over. Restricted contents are partially shown, including limited animated violence without hatred, online interactions with language filters, blood elements, and non-sexual adult humor.
- 18+ Age 18 and over. Restricted contents are mostly shown, if not all, including use of drugs and alcohol by main characters, realistic violence, crude humor, gambling simulation, horror theme, and online interactions.
In 2024, the Ministry of Communications and Informatics revised the IGRS in Ministerial Regulation MCI 2/2024, subsequently requiring that every video game publisher to have an Indonesian representative office, as all games imported into the country must be age rated. After overhauling and launching the new application system in October 2025, this will be enforced in practise starting January 2026.
International Age Rating Coalition
The International Age Rating Coalition is an association of various organizations for the global age rating of online games and apps. The age rating is assigned according to the specifications of the respective national self-regulation bodies, so that it is generated directly for each region or country. Before being published on these gaming platforms, the content of games is evaluated using a questionnaire-based system. This questionnaire collects information on content relevant to the protection of minors, such as depictions of violence, as well as on possible risks of use, such as chat or purchase functions.Participating Rating Authorities:
- Australian Classification Board
- Classificação Indicativa
- Digital Game Self-regulation Committee
- Entertainment Software Rating Board
- Game Rating and Administration Committee
- General Authority of Media Regulation
- Indonesia Game Rating System
- Pan European Game Information
- Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle
- Epic Games Store
- Fortnite
- Google Play
- Amazon Luna
- Meta Horizon Store
- Microsoft Store for Windows and Xbox
- Nintendo eShop
- ONE Store
- Pico Store
- PlayStation Store
Iran
- +3Ages 3 and over
- +7Ages 7 and over
- +12Ages 12 and over
- +15Ages 15 and over
- +18Ages 18 and over
Japan
In Japan, the content rating is not required by law, but most commercial video game publishers take the industry self-regulations. Console manufacturers force for video game publishers that games must be rated by CERO. Distributors of PC games require games having the approval of EOCS or Japan contents Review Center. These ratings are referred to by local governments, and the Ordinance Regarding the Healthy Development of Youths prohibits retailers from supplying 18+ rating games to persons under 18. Dōjin softs do not have such restrictions, but distribution of obscene materials can be punished under the Article 175 of the Penal Code of Japan.Computer Entertainment Rating Organization
The Computer Entertainment Rating Organization is an organization that rates video games in Japan, with different levels of rating that inform the customer of the nature of the product and what age group it suits. It was established in June 2002 as a branch of the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association, and became an officially recognized non-profit organization in December 2003. It currently consists of five age categories and nine content descriptors.- AAll ages. Formerly "All."
- BAges 12 and over. Formerly "12."
- CAges 15 and over. Formerly "15."
- DAges 17 and over.
- ZAges 18 and over only. Formerly "18." This is the only rating that is legally enforced.
- 教育・データベースAssigned to educational software.
- CEROAssigned to free demos and trial versions of games
- 審査予定Assigned to games which are currently awaiting classification
Ethics Organization of Computer Software
The current ratings are:
- General Software - All ages.
- General Software
- General Software
- Software that is banned from selling to persons under 18
Japan Contents Review Center
Mexico
On November 27, 2020, the Secretariat of the Interior published a new set of guidelines on the Official Journal of the Federation called Lineamentos Generales del Sistema Mexicano de Equivalencias de Clasificación de Contenidos de Videojuegos . This stated that all games distributed in Mexico would have their own set of ratings effective May 27, 2021, replacing the ESRB ratings system that was being used, while still being in accordance with them.The ratings are as follows:
- A : For all ages.
- B : Content for teens 12 and over.
- B15 : Content for ages 15 and over.
- C : Content not suitable for those under 18.
- D : Extreme and adult content.
- P : Content pending for its classification.
New Zealand
The current ratings are:
- G: This can be shown and sold to anyone.
- PG: Films and games with a PG label can be sold, hired, or shown to anyone. The PG label means guidance from a parent or guardian is recommended for younger viewers.
- M: Films and games with an M label can be sold, hired, or shown to anyone. Films with an M label are more suitable for mature audiences 16 years and over.
- R13: Restricted to persons 13 years and over.
- R15: Restricted to persons 15 years and over.
- R16: Restricted to persons 16 years and over.
- R18: Restricted to persons 18 years and over.
- R: Restricted to a particular class of people.
North America
A similar system also exists for arcade video games, which is enforced by the American Amusement Machine Association and the Amusement and Music Operators Association. It is called the Parental Advisory System, and uses three colors for ratings - green, yellow, and red. Stickers displaying the ratings are placed on the game marquees, and the rating can also be displayed during the attract mode if the game's developer or publisher chooses to do so.
Russia
The Age classification of information products is a new statutory classification set of rules formed by the Russian Government after enacting in September 2012 a Federal Law of Russian Federation no. 436-FZ of 2010-12-23 “On Protecting of Children from Information Harmful to Their Health and Development”, which classifies films, video games and publications for exhibition, sale or hire in Russia since 1 September 2012. The Ministry of Culture provides administrative support to the classification.In December 2022, the federal government has announced plans to establish a dedicated regulation procedure and age rating specifically for digital products, which include video games. There are concerns this may encompass excessive regulation and costs, as the new regulation will focus on interactive and online elements rather than just audiovisual content.
Saudi Arabia
The General Authority of Media Regulation is responsible for the age-ratings of films, television programs and interactive games. In 2025, the age rating criteria was updated along with addition of the 21 rating.Singapore
The Info-communications Media Development Authority is a statutory board of the Singapore Government which regulates films, television programs and video games in Singapore.Slovakia
Jednotný systém označovania is a statutory board of Ministry of Culture of Slovakia now under act 328/2023 which regulates age restriction of films, television programs and video games in Slovakia.The current age ratings are:
- "Teddy bear's head" – Content targeted towards children younger than 12 years.
- U – General audience
- 7 – Not recommended for children younger than 7 years.
- 12 – Not recommended for children younger than 12 years.
- 15 – Not recommended for children younger than 15 years.
- 18 – Prohibited for minors under 18 years of age.
In previous act, there were educational content age ratings, which are no longer being used:
- -7 – Targeted towards children younger than 7 years.
- 7+ – Appropriate for persons 7 years and over.
- 12+ – Appropriate for persons 12 years and over.
- 15+ – Appropriate for persons 15 years and over.
South Africa
The South African Film and Publication Board is a statutory classification body formed by the South African Government under the Films and Publications Act of 1996 which classifies films, publications, and video games for exhibition, sale or hire in South Africa. Distributors and exhibitors are legally compelled to comply with the age ratings.The ratings, as of August 1, 2022 are;
- PG: Not recommended for young children without Parental Guidance.
- 7–9 PG: Not permitted for children under 7 years of age. Children 7 to 9 should be accompanied before purchasing the game.
- 10–12 PG: Not permitted for children under 10 years of age. Children 10 to 12 should be accompanied before purchasing the game.
- 13: Not permitted for children under 13 years of age.
- 16: Not permitted for children under 16 years of age.
- 18: Not permitted for children.
- X18: Can only be distributed in licensed premises to persons over 18 years of age.
- XX: Not to be distributed or exhibited to public.
South Korea
Taiwan
Game Software Rating Regulations, also translated as Game Software Rating Management Regulations, is the video game content rating system used in Taiwan.United Arab Emirates
The National Media Council was a body of the federal U.A.E. government which regulated all aspects of media production, publication, and media trade in the United Arab Emirates. The body was established under Federal Law of 2006, and had full authority over the media in the country, both commercial and government related.In 2018, the NMC introduced local age rating systems for various media, including video games available in retail.
In June 2021, the Ministry of Culture & Youth launched the Media Regulatory Office to execute a number of functions and tasks previously under the National Media Council, following a restructure of the federal U.A.E. government that was approved in July 2020. In June 2022, the 2018 NMC rating labels for video games began phasing out in favour of new labels reflecting the corporate image of the MRO. The ratings themselves were unchanged. The New Media Law came into force on December 1, 2023, in which the top logo of the label changed to reflect the corporate image of the UAE Media Council which went into effect in 2024.
United Kingdom
The British Board of Film Classification, originally British Board of Film Censors, is a non-governmental organisation, funded by the film industry and responsible for the national classification of films within the United Kingdom. It has a statutory requirement to classify videos and DVDs. It no longer has responsibility for rating video games in the UK. This role has been passed to the Video Standards Council.In July 2012, the VSC Rating Board became the sole UK statutory video games regulator for the UK. The VSC Rating Board has been a PEGI Administrator since 2003 and subsequently uses the PEGI criteria to classify video games. The UK Interactive Entertainment Association, a UK industry trade group, works with the VSC to help properly label such games and provide informational material to parents. Games featuring strong pornographic content or ancillary mini-games to be included with a DVD feature will still be rated by the BBFC.