Video Game Ratings
By Bob McDonnellVideo games are a $10 billion industry. Sales have nearly tripled in the past decade, as folks in 65 percent of households now play video or computer games. And the industry has witnessed a 12 percent climb in U.S. employment this year.
Consumers are so drawn to the popularity of video games that Nissan first unveiled a new sports car in a “Need for Speed” video game, Beatles songs have been licensed for a video game, and spending on in-game ads rose from $181 million last year to $268 million this year.
With the holiday season upon us – the time when more than half of all games are sold -- there’s a simple way parents can educate themselves and determine which games are appropriate gifts: check the Entertainment Software Rating Board rating before buying video or computer games as gifts.
As the father of five children, I encourage all parents to check a game’s rating to make sure their gift is OK to play.
Rating symbols are on the bottom corner of the front box cover. They range from “EC” for early childhood and “E” for everyone to “T” for teen and “M” for mature. The ratings also include age-appropriate content descriptions, such as “E 10+ for cartoon violence.”
The ratings system makes it crystal clear whether the video game content is appropriate for young children. Parents should know that when it comes to buying computer and video games, control is in their hands.
According to Patricia Vance, president of the independent, non-profit Entertainment Software Rating Board, "The ratings are easy to understand, and provide valuable guidance about the age appropriateness and content of video games so parents can decide which games are suitable for their children. I strongly encourage parents to check both the ratings and content descriptors on every game box, so they can be sure that the games they purchase as gifts this holiday season are appropriate."
Consumer protection is an important statutory duty of the Office of the Attorney General, and our staff can help. In an age of increased consumer issues, we all must continue to be educated and vigilant.
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