Video games have evolved greatly over the years since the first video game, Pong, was created in the 1960s. Nowadays, gamers of all ages have access to thousands of types of games on many different gaming platforms. From fighting games, to one-person shooters, role playing games, and massive online multiplayers, there’s not much that the gaming spectrum does not cover. Because of this, a system has been put into place that rates the games based on the content, and gives a guideline so buyers know how age appropriate a certain video game is. However, studies have shown in recent years that parents might not be following the guidelines given by the rating board which could have serious consequences not only to the child playing the game but also …show more content…
The ESRB rating system includes guidance about age-appropriateness and the content of the game as well as enforcing age appropriate advertising guidelines for the video game companies. The guidelines are broken down into six different ratings starting with Early Child (Ec) in which the games are intended for children in early childhood. The next step up is Everyone (E) which means the game content is considered suitable for all ages. There may be mild language and very mild violence in these games. Then there is Everyone 10+ (E10+) where the content is generally suitable for ages 10 and up. These games generally have content that is still mild but may have more mild violence and a few suggestive themes. Teen (T) is the next rating in the tier and is generally suitable for ages 13 and up. These games may contain more violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, blood, gambling or the use of strong language. Mature (M) is s generally suitable for ages 17 and up. The games with this rating tend to contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and strong language. The final rating is Adults Only (Ao) which is only for adults age 18 and up. The games have very intense violence and very graphic sexual