Video game content rating system

(Based on the revision at 02:31, 6 August 2024)
260px|thumbnail|An example of different rating systems on video game discs which is common practice in Europe and Australia. From top left to down right: the Russian video game rating system, the European PEGI system, the German USK, all sharing the same age classification on this example game.
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 content 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  – All ages may play / Aimed at young audiences / Exempt / Not rated / Educational content.
*  Yellow  – Parental guidance is suggested for designated age range.
*  Blue  – Not recommended for a younger audience but not restricted.
*  Red  – Advised that people under the age must not use it without parental guidance.
*  Black  – Advised that people under the age must not use it / Restricted to a specific audience / Banned.
*  Gray  – No applicable rating.
Country/System 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Age rating 	Other 	
Country/System 	0 	1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	7 	8 	9 	10 	11 	12 	13 	14 	15 	16 	17 	18 	19 	20 	21 	Other 	
National/Regional Ratings Systems 	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	National/Regional Ratings Systems	
Argentina 	ATP 	ATP 	ATP 	ATP 	ATP 	ATP 	ATP 	ATP 	ATP 	ATP 	ATP 	ATP 	ATP 	+13 	+13 	+13 	+13 	+13 	+18 	+18 	+18 	+18 	N/A 	
Australia 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	M 	M 	M 	R 18+ 	R 18+ 	R 18+ 	R 18+ 	 	
Australia 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	MA 15+ 	MA 15+ 	MA 15+ 	R 18+ 	R 18+ 	R 18+ 	R 18+ 	 	
Brazil 	L 	L 	L 	L 	L 	L 	L 	L 	L 	L 	10 	10 	12 	12 	14 	14 	16 	16 	18 	18 	18 	18 	N/A 	
Chile 	TE 	TE 	TE 	TE 	TE 	TE 	TE 	TE 	8+ 	8+ 	8+ 	8+ 	8+ 	8+ 	14+ 	14+ 	14+ 	14+ 	18+ 	18+ 	18+ 	18+ 	Educational 	
China 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	8+ 	8+ 	8+ 	8+ 	12+ 	12+ 	12+ 	12+ 	16+ 	16+ 	16+ 	16+ 	16+ 	16+ 	N/A 	
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	E10+ 	E10+ 	E10+ 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)	E 	E 	E 	E 	E 	E 	E 	E 	E 	E 	E10+ 	E10+ 	E10+ 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Germany 	USK 0 	USK 0 	USK 0 	USK 0 	USK 0 	USK 0 	USK 6 	USK 6 	USK 6 	USK 6 	USK 6 	USK 6 	USK 12 	USK 12 	USK 12 	USK 12 	USK 16 	USK 16 	USK 18 	USK 18 	USK 18 	USK 18 	StGB confiscated (Banned) 	
Germany 	USK 0 	USK 0 	USK 0 	USK 0 	USK 0 	USK 0 	USK 6 	USK 6 	USK 6 	USK 6 	USK 6 	USK 6 	USK 12 	USK 12 	USK 12 	USK 12 	USK 16 	USK 16 	 	 	 	 	StGB confiscated (Banned) 	
Germany 	USK 0 	USK 0 	USK 0 	USK 0 	USK 0 	USK 0 	USK 6 	USK 6 	USK 6 	USK 6 	USK 6 	USK 6 	USK 12 	USK 12 	USK 12 	USK 12 	USK 16 	USK 16 	BzKJ restricted 	BzKJ restricted 	BzKJ restricted 	BzKJ restricted 	StGB confiscated (Banned) 	
Hong Kong Macau 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	3+ 	3+ 	3+ 	3+ 	7+ 	7+ 	7+ 	7+ 	7+ 	12+ 	12+ 	12+ 	12+ 	16+ 	16+ 	18+ 	18+ 	18+ 	18+ 	N/A 	
Indonesia 	SU 	SU 	SU 	3+ 	3+ 	3+ 	3+ 	7+ 	7+ 	7+ 	7+ 	7+ 	7+ 	13+ 	13+ 	13+ 	13+ 	13+ 	18+ 	18+ 	18+ 	18+ 	N/A 	
Iran 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	+3 	+3 	+3 	+3 	+7 	+7 	+7 	+7 	+7 	+12 	+12 	+12 	+15 	+15 	+15 	+18 	+18 	+18 	+18 	N/A 	
Japan 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	B 	B 	B 	C 	C 	D 	Z 	Z 	Z 	Z 	 	
Japan 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	12 	12 	12 	15 	15 	15 	18 	18 	18 	18 	N/A 	
Mexico 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	B 	B 	B 	B15 	B15 	B15 	 	 	 	 	 	
Mexico 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	A 	B 	B 	B 	B15 	B15 	B15 	 	 	 	 	 	
New Zealand 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	G 	 	 	 	R13 	R13 	R15 	R16 	R16 	R18 	R18 	R18 	R18 	 	
New Zealand 	PG 	PG 	PG 	PG 	PG 	PG 	PG 	PG 	PG 	PG 	 	 	 	R13 	R13 	R15 	R16 	R16 	R18 	R18 	R18 	R18 	 	
Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	3 	3 	3 	3 	7 	7 	7 	7 	7 	12 	12 	12 	12 	16 	16 	18 	18 	18 	18 	N/A 	
Russia 	0+ 	0+ 	0+ 	0+ 	0+ 	0+ 	6+ 	6+ 	6+ 	6+ 	6+ 	6+ 	12+ 	12+ 	12+ 	12+ 	16+ 	16+ 	18+ 	18+ 	18+ 	18+ 	N/A 	
Saudi Arabia 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	3 	3 	3 	3 	7 	7 	7 	7 	7 	12 	12 	12 	12 	16 	16 	18 	18 	18 	18 	 	
Saudi Arabia 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	3 	3 	3 	3 	7 	7 	7 	7 	7 	12 	12 	12 	12 	16 	16 	18 	18 	18 	18 	Banned 	
Singapore 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	ADV16 	ADV16 	M18 	M18 	M18 	M18 	Refused classification 	
Slovakia 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	12 	12 	12 	15 	15 	15 	18 	18 	18 	18 	N/A 	
Slovakia 	U 	U 	U 	U 	U 	U 	U 	7 	7 	7 	7 	7 	12 	12 	12 	15 	15 	15 	18 	18 	18 	18 	N/A 	
South Africa 	PG 	PG 	PG 	PG 	PG 	PG 	PG 	 	 	 	 	 	 	13 	13 	13 	16 	16 	18 	18 	18 	18 	 	
South Africa 	PG 	PG 	PG 	PG 	PG 	PG 	PG 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	 	 	 	 	 	 	16 	16 	 	 	 	 	 	
South Korea 	ALL 	ALL 	ALL 	ALL 	ALL 	ALL 	ALL 	ALL 	ALL 	ALL 	ALL 	ALL 	12 	12 	12 	15 	15 	15 	15 	19 	19 	19 	Refused classification 	
Taiwan 	0+ 	0+ 	0+ 	0+ 	0+ 	0+ 	6+ 	6+ 	6+ 	6+ 	6+ 	6+ 	12+ 	12+ 	12+ 	15+ 	15+ 	15+ 	18+ 	18+ 	18+ 	18+ 	N/A 	
United Arab Emirates 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	3 	3 	3 	3 	7 	7 	7 	7 	7 	12 	12 	12 	12 	16 	16 	18 	18 	18 	21 	N/A 	
Country/System 	0 	1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	7 	8 	9 	10 	11 	12 	13 	14 	15 	16 	17 	18 	19 	20 	21 	Other 	
Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems 	Storefront Ratings Systems
App Store (iOS/iPadOS) 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	4+ 	4+ 	4+ 	4+ 	4+ 	9+ 	9+ 	9+ 	12+ 	12+ 	12+ 	12+ 	12+ 	17+ 	17+ 	17+ 	17+ 	17+ 	 	
App Store (iOS/iPadOS) 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	N/A 	4+ 	4+ 	4+ 	4+ 	4+ 	4+ 	4+ 	4+ 	12+ 	12+ 	12+ 	12+ 	12+ 	17+ 	17+ 	17+ 	17+ 	17+ 	 	
Roblox Experiences 	All Ages 	All Ages 	All Ages 	All Ages 	All Ages 	All Ages 	All Ages 	All Ages 	All Ages 	9+ 	9+ 	9+ 	9+ 	13+ 	13+ 	13+ 	13+ 	17+ 	17+ 	17+ 	17+ 	17+ 	N/A 	
Samsung Galaxy Store 	All 	All 	All 	All 	4+ 	4+ 	4+ 	4+ 	4+ 	4+ 	4+ 	4+ 	12+ 	12+ 	12+ 	12+ 	16+ 	16+ 	18+ 	18+ 	18+ 	18+ 	Banned 	
Country/System 	0 	1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	7 	8 	9 	10 	11 	12 	13 	14 	15 	16 	17 	18 	19 	20 	21 	Other 	
In the above table, Italics indicate a multinational/transnational organization.
== Rating level table ==
Country 	Rating level 	Rating level	Rating level	Rating level	Rating level	Rating level	Rating level	Rating level	Rating level	Rating level 	Rating level	Other
Country 	Level 1 	Level 2 	Level 3 	Level 4 	Level 5 	Level 6 	Level 7 	Level 8 	Level 9 	Level 10 	Level 11 	Other
Argentina 	ATP 	 	 	 	 	 	+13 	 	 	+18 	 	
Australia PG, M 	G 	 	 	 	 	 	 	MA 15+ 	 	R 18+ 	 	CTC
Australia PG, M 	G 	 	 	 	 	 	 	MA 15+ 	 	R 18+ 	 	RC
Brazil 	L 	 	 	 	 	10 	12 	14 	16 	18 	 	
Chile 	TE 	 	 	 	8+ 	 	 	14+ 	 	18+ 	 	Educational
China 	 	 	 	 	8+ 	 	12+ 	 	16+ 	 	 	
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)	EC 	 	 	 	 	E10+ 	T 	 	M 	AO 	 	RP
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)	E 	 	 	 	 	E10+ 	T 	 	M 	AO 	 	RP
Germany 	USK 0 	 	 	USK 6 	 	 	USK 12 	 	USK 16 	USK 18 	 	StGB confiscated (Banned)
Germany 	USK 0 	 	 	USK 6 	 	 	USK 12 	 	USK 16 	BzKJ restricted	 	StGB confiscated (Banned)
Hong Kong Macau 	I 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	II 	 	III
Indonesia 	SU 	 	 	7+ 	 	 	13+ 	 	 	18+ 	 	
Indonesia 	3+ 	 	 	7+ 	 	 	13+ 	 	 	18+ 	 	
Iran 	+3 	 	 	+7 	 	 	+12 	+15 	 	+18 	 	
Japan 	A 	 	 	 	 	 	B 	C 	D 	Z 	 	審査予定
Japan 	G 	 	 	 	 	 	12 	15 	 	18 	 	
Mexico 	A 	 	 	 	 	 	B 	B15 	 	C 	 	P
Mexico 	A 	 	 	 	 	 	B 	B15 	 	D 	 	P
New Zealand PG, M 	G 	 	 	 	 	 	R13 	R15 	R16 	R18 	 	Objectionable
Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) 	3 	 	 	7 	 	 	12 	 	16 	18 	 	
Russia 	0+ 	 	 	6+ 	 	 	12+ 	 	16+ 	18+ 	 	
Saudi Arabia 	3 	 	 	7 	 	 	12 	 	16 	18 	 	TBC
Saudi Arabia 	3 	 	 	7 	 	 	12 	 	16 	18 	 	Banned
Singapore 	G 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	ADV16 	M18 	 	Refused classification
Slovakia 	"Teddy bear's head"	 	 	7 	 	 	12 	15 	 	18 	 	
Slovakia 	U 	 	 	7 	 	 	12 	15 	 	18 	 	
South Africa 	PG 	 	 	7-9PG 	 	10-12PG 	13 	 	16 	18 	 	XX
South Korea 	ALL 	 	 	 	 	12 	 	15 	 	19 	 	Refused classification
Taiwan 	0+ 	 	 	6+ 	 	 	12+ 	15+ 	 	18+ 	 	
United Arab Emirates 	3 	 	 	7 	 	 	12 	 	16 	18 	21 	
Country 	Level 1 	Level 2 	Level 3 	Level 4 	Level 5 	Level 6 	Level 7 	Level 8 	Level 9 	Level 10 	Level 11 	Other
== 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."Video Violence: Villain or Victim?", Guy Cumberbatch, London Video Standards Council, 2004"It's Not the Media", Karen Sternheimer, Westview Press, 2003 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.
== Argentina ==
The law 26.043 (passed in 2005) states that the National Council of Children, Youth and Family ('Consejo Nacional de la Niñez, Adolescencia y la Familia') 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 (Asociación de Desarrolladores de Videojuegos Argentina) 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 ==
The Australian Classification Board (ACB) is a statutory classification body formed by the Australian Government which classifies films, video games and publications for exhibition, sale or hire in Australia since its establishment in 1970. The Classification Board was originally incorporated in the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) which was dissolved in 2006. Originally a part of the Attorney-General's Department and overseen by the Minister for Justice, the ACB is now a branch of the Department of Communications and the Arts which provides administrative support to the Board and is overseen by the Minister for Communications & the Arts. Decisions made by the Board may be reviewed by the Australian Classification Review Board.
* G - Contains material available for general viewing, i.e. suitable for viewing by persons of all ages.
* PG - Contains material that is not recommended for viewing by young persons without guidance from parents or guardians.
* M - Contains material that is recommended for viewing by persons aged 15 years and over.
* MA 15+ - Contains material that is considered unsuitable for exhibition to persons under the age of 15. People under 15 may legally purchase, rent, exhibit or view such content, but only under the supervision of a parent or adult guardian.
* R 18+ - Contains material that is considered unsuitable for exhibition to persons under the age of 18. People under 18 may not legally purchase, rent, exhibit or view R 18+ classified content.
== Brazil ==
The advisory rating (ClassInd) (Classificação Indicativa in Portuguese) rates films, games and television shows in Brazil. It is controlled by the Ministry of Justice (Ministério da Justiça).
* L - General Audiences.
* 10 - Not recommended for minors under ten.
* 12 - Not recommended for minors under twelve.
* 14 - Not recommended for minors under fourteen.
* 16 - Not recommended for minors under sixteen.
* 18 - Not recommended for minors under eighteen.
== Chile ==
Games are classified by the Council of Cinematographic Classification (Consejo de Calificación Cinematográfica) which is a central agency under the Ministry of Education.
The current age ratings are:
* ER (Especilmente Recomendado) – Recommended for children.
* TE (Todo Edad) – 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.
The manufacturers, importers, suppliers and merchants are only permitted to sell and rent video games that are classified as 8, 14 or 18, to those who prove they meet those ages respectively. In the case of each sale or lease by physical means, the respective identity card is required.https://www.bcn.cl/leychile/navegar?idNorma=1160403&idParte=
== 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 China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association (中国音像与数字出版协会) (CADPA). Games with online components are required to show one of the three classifications on websites and registration pages: green for "8+" (appropriate for players 8 years and older), blue for "12+", and yellow for "16+".
== North America ==
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is a self-regulatory organization that assigns age and content ratings, enforces industry-adopted advertising guidelines, and ensures responsible online privacy principles for computer and video games and other entertainment software in countries of North America. PEGI ratings are used on some French-language games sold in Canada. Despite being self-regulatory, in Canada, games rated by the ESRB are required by law to be rated and/or restricted, though this only varies at a province and territory level. ESRB ratings can be found on games for Nintendo systems in the countries of Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. This system was used in Mexico as well until it was replaced by a local rating system on May 27, 2021.
A similar system also exists for arcade video games, which is enforced by the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) and the Amusement and Music Operators Association (AMOA). It is called the Parental Advisory System, and uses three colors for ratings - green (Suitable for All Ages), yellow (Mild Content), and red (Strong Content). 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.
* E - Suitable for all ages.
* E10+ - Suitable for ages 10 and over.
* T - Suitable for ages 13 and over.
* M - Suitable for ages 17 and over.
* AO - Only suitable for ages 18 and over.
== Germany ==
Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (USK) (Entertainment Software Self-control), is Germany's software rating organization founded in 1994.
* USK 0 - Approved without age restriction.
* USK 6 - Approved for children aged 6 and above.
* USK 12 - Approved for children aged 12 and above.
* USK 16 - Approved for children aged 16 and above.
* USK 18 - Not approved for young persons.
== Hong Kong and Macau ==
There is no game grading system in Hong Kong and Macau, but a unified publication classification is adopted, which is divided into three categories: I, II and III. Class I publications can be purchased at all ages without any restrictions. Class II publications need to be marked with warnings and cannot be provided to people under the age of 18, which is equivalent to a restricted level. Class III publications are not allowed to be sold publicly, but there is no restriction on private or friend-to-friend communication. This classification system is equivalent to a hidden classification, The Obscene Articles Tribunal is responsible for the classification and evaluation.
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.
== International Age Rating Coalition ==
Some app stores that support the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) use this rating in countries and regions where there is no rating system. The classification standard adopted by IARC is the same as that of PEGI. This rating is not recognized in some countries.
* 3+ - Video game or software content suitable for ages 3 and above.
* 7+ - Video game or software content suitable for ages 7 and above.
* 12+ - Video game or software content suitable for ages 12 and above.
* 16+ - Video game or software content suitable for ages 16 and above.
* 18+ - Video game or software content suitable for ages 18 and above.
== Indonesia ==
The Indonesian Game Rating System (IGRS) is an 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:
* SU ("Semua Umur", All Ages in English) Playable for all ages.
* 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.
* 18+ Age 18 and over. Restricted contents are mostly shown, if not all, including use of drugs and alcohol by main characters, realistic violence (blood, gore, mutilation, etc.), crude humor, gambling simulation, horror theme, and online interactions.
As of November 2019, various imported PlayStation titles released since then have been rated by the IGRS after SIE Asia opened their Indonesian office. Those titles are also marked as "Official Indonesia Products" (Indonesian: Produk Resmi Indonesia).
== Iran ==
The Entertainment Software Rating Association (Persian: اسرا) (ESRA) is a governmental video game content rating system that is used in Iran. Games that have been exempt from the rating are de facto banned from sale in Iran.
* +3Ages 3 and over
* +7Ages 7 and over
* +12Ages 12 and over
* +15Ages 15 and over
* +18Ages 18 and over
In practice, the rating applies largely to PC and mobile games, as none of the console games are officially released for the Iranian market.
== 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 (mostly dating sims, visual novels, and eroge) 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 (青少年健全育成条例) 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 (特定非営利活動法人コンピュータエンターテインメントレーティング機構, Tokutei Hieiri Katsudō Hōjin Konpyūta Entāteinmento Rētingu Kikō) (CERO) 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.
* AContent is suitable for all ages.. Formerly "All."
* BContains some content parents may not like for children under the age of 12. Formerly "12."
* CSome content may be inappropriate for children under the age of 15. Formerly "15."
* DContains adult material. Anyone under 17 cannot buy video games with this rating without parental consent.
* ZContains strong adult material. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy video games with this rating. Formerly "18."
* 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 Ethics Organization of Computer Software (一般社団法人コンピュータソフトウェア倫理機構, Ippan Shadan Hōjin Konpyūta Sofutowea Rinri Kikō) (EOCS, or Sofurin) is an incorporated association that rates PC games in Japan. It was established on November 20, 1992, and was incorporated in 2009. The association also works to crack down on copyright infringement of PC games for the companies it represents, and sponsors the Moe Game Award (萌えゲーアワード) to help PC game sales.
The current ratings are:
* General Software - All ages.
* General Software (recommended to ages 12 and over)
* General Software (recommended to ages 15 and over)
* Software that is banned from selling to persons under 18
=== Japan contents Review Center ===
The Japan contents Review Center (日本コンテンツ審査センター, Nihon Kontentsu Shinsa Sentā) is a cooperative that reviews adult videos and adult PC games in Japan. The organization was founded on December 1, 2010 as Ethics Organization of Video (映像倫理機構, Eizō Rinri Kikō) after the dissolution of the Content Soft Association (CSA).
==Mexico==
On November 27, 2020, the Secretariat of the Interior (SEGOB) 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 (General Guidelines of the Mexican System of Classification Equivalencies for Video Game Content). This states that all games distributed in Mexico will 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 (Todo Público): For all ages.
* B (+12 Años): Content for teens 12 and over.
* B15 (+15 Años): Content for ages 15 and over.
* C (Adultos +18 Años): Content not suitable for those under 18.
* D (Exclusivo Adultos): Extreme and adult content.
* P (Etiquetado Pendiente): Content pending for its classification.
== New Zealand ==
The Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) is the government agency in New Zealand that is responsible for classification of all films, videos, publications, and some video games in New Zealand. It was created by the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 (FVPC Act), replacing various film classification acts, and is an independent Crown entity in terms of the Crown Entities Act 2004. The head of the OFLC is called the Chief Censor, maintaining a title that has described the government officer in charge of censorship in New Zealand since 1916.
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 are more suitable for mature audiences. A lot of media popular with the 10+ age group are classified M.
* 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.
== Europe ==
The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) 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 (ISFE) 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.
The ratings do not indicate the difficulty of the game or the skill required to play it.
== 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” (Russian: Федеральный закон Российской Федерации от 29 декабря 2010 г. N 436-ФЗ «О защите детей от информации, причиняющей вред их здоровью и развитию»), 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.
* 0+ - Products for all ages.
* 6+ - Products for children over the age of six.
* 12+ - Products for children over the age of twelve.
* 16+ - Products for children over the age of sixteen.
* 18+ - Prohibited for distribution to children.
== Saudi Arabia ==
The General Commission for Audiovisual Media (Arabic: الهيئة العامة للإعلام المرئي والمسموع, Alhy'eh Al'amah lel-E'elam Almar'ey wal-Masmoo') (GCAM) is responsible for the age-ratings of films, television programs and interactive games.
* 3 - Video game content suitable for ages 3 and above.
* 7 - Video game content suitable for ages 7 and above.
* 12 - Video game content suitable for ages 12 and above.
* 16 - Video game content suitable for ages 16 and above.
* 18 - Video game content suitable for ages 18 and above.
== Singapore ==
The Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) is a statutory board of the Singapore Government which regulates films, television programs and video games in Singapore.
* G - Suitable for all ages.
* ADV16 - Suitable for persons 16 and above.
* M18 - Restricted to persons 18 years and above.
== Slovakia ==
Jednotný systém označovania (English: Unified System of Age Rating/Labeling) (JSO) is a statutory board of Ministry of Culture of Slovakia under act 589/2007, 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 addition, educational game ratings are:
* -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.
The labeling is mandatory for all physical releases (Games redeemable from gift cards including), but there is no legislative basis for labeling electronic releases (instead, PEGI rating is shown).
== South Africa ==
The South African Film and Publication Board (FPB) 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 distrubuted in licensed premises to persons over 18 years of age.
*XX: Not to be distrubuted or exhibited to public.
== South Korea ==
The Game Rating and Administration Committee (게임물관리위원회 Geimmul Gwanri Wiwonhoe) (GRAC) is the South Korean video game content rating board. A governmental organization, the GRAC rates video and computer games to inform customers of the nature of game contents.
* ALL - Everyone can play.
* 12 - Children under the age of 12 cannot play unless accompanied by an adult.
* 15 - Children and teenagers under the age of 15 cannot play unless accompanied by an adult.
* 19 - Teenagers and children (under 19) cannot play.
== Taiwan ==
Game Software Rating Regulations (遊戲軟體分級辦法), also translated as Game Software Rating Management Regulations, is the video game content rating system used in Taiwan.
* 0+ - All ages may use such software.
* 6+ - Only persons of age 6 and above may use such software.
* 12+ - Only persons of age 12 and above may use such software.
* 15+ - Only persons of age 15 and above may use such software.
* 18+ - Only persons of age 18 and above may use such software.
== United Arab Emirates ==
The National Media Council (Arabic: المجلس الوطني للإعلام, al-Majlis al-Watani li'al-Ealam) (NMC) 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 (1) 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 (Arabic: مكتب تنظيم الإعلام, Maktab Tanzheem al-Ealam) (MRO) 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 are unchanged.
* 3 - Video game content suitable for ages 3 and above.
* 7 - Video game content suitable for ages 7 and above.
* 12 - Video game content suitable for ages 12 and above.
* 16 - Video game content suitable for ages 16 and above.
* 18 - Video game content suitable for ages 18 and above.
* 21 - Video game content suitable for ages 21 and above.
== Usage ==
The image below presents outdated usage of various video game content rating systems around the world. Countries filled with gradients are using several rating systems.
== See also ==
* Mobile software content rating system
* Motion picture content rating system
* Television content rating system
== References ==
== External links ==
* Video games ratings face overhaul
* http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/tiga-responds-to-byron-review
* http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ELSPA-concerned-by-Byron-proposals
* http://www.esrb.org/ratings/ratings_guide.jsp