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The ESRB
is an independent, non-profit organization that has developed a
comprehensive rating system for computer and video games to help
you decide which games are right for your home. ESRB also provides
services for rating websites and online games, for ensuring online
privacy protection, and for reviewing advertising created by the
interactive entertainment industry. We invite you to explore our
website and discover how, with the ESRB, the control is in your
hands.
What
the Ratings Do
The
ESRB ratings are designed to give consumers information about the
content of an interactive video or computer entertainment title
and for which ages it's appropriate. The ESRB ratings are not
meant to tell you what to buy or rent or to serve as the only
basis for choosing a product. Rather, consumers should use the
ESRB ratings in conjunction with their own tastes and standards
when purchasing or renting a video game.
What
to Look For
Ratings: Consumers should look on the front of the package for the
ESRB rating symbol, which gives information on ages for which the
product is appropriate.
Content Descriptors: In addition to the rating, consumers should
check for important content information (also called
"descriptors") in the black-and-white box on the back of
the package. These content descriptors give more details about the
product in terms of violence, sexual themes, language, and other
areas that may be of interest to some consumers.
How
Are the Products Rated?
Each product is rated by three independent, trained raters. The
raters represent a wide range of backgrounds, races, and ages and
have no ties to the interactive entertainment software industry.
Raters include retired school principals, parents, professionals,
and other individuals from all walks of life.
Attention all game publishers: The ESRB also rates Online Games.
If you would like more information on how to get your game rated
quickly by the world's foremost interactive rating board, please
contact us at info@esrb.org.
For more information on the Entertainment Software Rating Board,
please call the ESRB at 212-759-0700. Our postal address is 845
Third Avenue, New York, NY, 10022.
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