The video game industry is constantly evolving, with new games being released every day. But when it comes to rating these games, things can get complicated. There are different rating systems used by organizations such as the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), each with their own unique criteria for determining a game’s rating.
Understanding Game Ratings
Game ratings are an important tool used to help players decide which games to buy or play. They provide information about the content of a game, including language, violence, and other potentially offensive elements. The rating systems used by organizations such as the ESRB and BBFC are based on a set of guidelines that determine what is considered appropriate for different age groups.
The ESRB rating system is divided into five categories: Early Childhood (EC), Parents Strongly Cautioned (ES), Teen (T), Mature (M), and Adults Only (AO). The BBFC rating system uses a similar set of criteria, with the addition of an “R18” rating for games that are not suitable for anyone under 18.
The rating systems take into account a variety of factors, including language, violence, sexual content, and drug use. Developers must carefully consider these factors when creating their games and ensure that they comply with the rating guidelines in order to avoid being rated too high or too low.
Factors that Affect Game Ratings
There are several factors that can affect a game’s rating. One of the most important is the level of violence depicted in the game. Games that feature realistic and graphic depictions of violence may be rated higher than games with less violent content.
Another factor that can affect a game’s rating is the use of language. Games that contain offensive or crude language may be rated higher than games with cleaner dialogue.
Sexual content is also taken into account when determining a game’s rating. Games that depict sexual situations may be rated higher than games with less explicit content.
Drug use is another factor that can affect a game’s rating. Games that feature drug use, whether it be smoking or drinking, may be rated higher than games without these elements.
The Impact of Game Ratings on Sales
Game ratings can have a significant impact on a game’s sales. Research has shown that games with higher ratings tend to sell more copies than games with lower ratings. This is because players are more likely to buy games that they know are appropriate for their age and level of maturity.
However, it is important for developers to be aware that a high rating does not necessarily guarantee success. Games with a higher rating may also be perceived as more violent or explicit, which could turn off some potential buyers. Additionally, a game with a lower rating may still be successful if it has a strong fan base or if it appeals to a niche market.
How to Get Your Game Rated
As a developer, getting your game rated can be a crucial part of the development process. To ensure that your game is rated appropriately, you will need to provide detailed information about the content of your game to the rating organization. This may include screenshots or other visuals that depict violent or sexual content, as well as a written description of the game’s story and themes.
It is important to be honest and transparent when providing this information. Rating organizations take their job seriously and will not hesitate to give a game a higher rating if they feel it is necessary.
Case Studies: Successful Games with High Ratings
There are many examples of successful games that have been rated highly by the ESRB and BBFC.