Is R6 M Rated? A Comprehensive Guide to Rainbow Six Siege and Extraction’s Age Ratings
Yes, both Rainbow Six Siege and Rainbow Six Extraction are rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). This rating indicates that these games contain content that may be unsuitable for individuals under the age of 17. This rating isn’t arbitrary; it reflects the games’ inclusion of violence, profanity, and other mature themes. Understanding what this rating entails and its implications is crucial for parents, players, and anyone interested in these popular tactical shooters. Let’s dive deeper into what makes these games earn their “Mature” rating.
Understanding the M Rating
The ESRB’s M for Mature rating signifies that a game contains content that is intended for players aged 17 and older. The ESRB considers several factors when assigning this rating, including:
- Intense Violence: This includes realistic depictions of gunfights, explosions, and bloody deaths.
- Strong Language: The games contain moderate amounts of profanity, including instances of cursing in both operator voice lines and reactions to being shot.
- Upsetting and Frightening Scenes: Rainbow Six Siege features graphic scenes of violence, such as dead bodies, and tense hostage situations.
- Blood and Gore: While the blood depicted might not be overly realistic, it’s still present, particularly in Rainbow Six Siege. Rainbow Six Extraction features “blood splatter and some gore”
It’s important to note that the M rating is not a legal restriction on sales or ownership but rather a guideline for consumers, helping parents and gamers make informed decisions about which games are appropriate.
Rainbow Six Siege: What Contributes to its M Rating?
Rainbow Six Siege is a competitive first-person shooter emphasizing tactical gameplay, destruction, and close-quarters combat. The ESRB rating reflects the following elements present within the game:
Violence and Gore
- Realistic Gunfights: The game features realistic firearm behavior with graphic hit feedback, including blood spatter when characters are shot.
- Dead Bodies: Players may find dead student bodies in some scenarios, either shot or killed by toxic gas, which can be upsetting to some players.
- Explosions: Explosions are a common element, adding to the intensity of the gameplay.
- Jump Scares: While not designed as a horror game, player ambushes and surprising enemy encounters can lead to jump scares.
Mature Themes
- Hostage Situations: Players frequently engage in hostage rescue or elimination scenarios which can be intense and concerning.
- Character Appearances: Some operators feature frightening masks and tactical clothing, which can be intimidating to younger players.
- Profanity: The game includes moderate amounts of profanity during gameplay, both from operators and reactions to in-game events. However, you can turn off spoken lines in the audio settings.
Rainbow Six Extraction: Why is it also M Rated?
Rainbow Six Extraction differs from Siege with its focus on cooperative gameplay against alien creatures in a Player versus Environment (PvE) scenario. Although the setting is different, it still carries the M rating. Here’s why:
Violence and Gore
- Alien Combat: Players use high-tech automatic guns to kill aliens and while the alien’s “death” is described as exploding into a cloud of black mist, the game’s combat is intense.
- Blood Splatter and Gore: Despite focusing on aliens, some blood splatter and gore are still present in the game, although it is less graphic than that in Rainbow Six Siege.
Mature Themes
- Strong Language: Rainbow Six Extraction includes strong profanity, including words like “f–k” and “s–t,” in dialogue.
- Intense Combat: Although the enemies are aliens, the tense combat, and cooperative nature, can still be too intense for younger audiences.
Impact of the M Rating: Who Should Play?
Understanding the M rating helps gauge if the game is appropriate for specific age groups.
- Ages 17 and Above: The ESRB intends the M rating for this age group. Most mature teens and adults can handle the game’s violence, language, and tense scenarios.
- Ages 13-16: This age group may or may not be ready for the game’s content. Parents should supervise gameplay and consider their child’s maturity level, sensitivity to violence, and comfort with the intense gameplay.
- Under 13: Given the games’ content, they are likely unsuitable for players in this age group. Parents should be cautious about younger children playing these titles, even if supervised.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into Rainbow Six Age Ratings
To further clarify any confusion, here are some frequently asked questions that cover different aspects of R6 age ratings:
1. Is Rainbow Six Siege too violent for teens?
This is subjective. Some teens can handle realistic shooting, while others may be upset by it. Consider their sensitivity to violence before allowing play. If you believe the game is not appropriate for your family and friends then do not allow them to play.
2. Can the swearing in Rainbow Six Siege be turned off?
Yes, all spoken lines, including those with profanity, can be turned off in the game’s audio settings. This is a great option to control the content your child consumes.
3. Is there anything inappropriate in Rainbow Six Siege besides violence and profanity?
Besides violence and profanity, the game features frightening characters in masks, intense hostage situations, and occasional jump scares. There are also scenes of dead students that some may find unsettling.
4. Is Rainbow Six Extraction safe for kids?
According to most reviews, Rainbow Six Extraction is completely okay for any child 13+. The violence is very minimal as there are no human targets only aliens.
5. Is Rainbow Six Extraction a horror game?
Rainbow Six Extraction has elements of horror as the gameplay is designed to test tactical and survival skills in a cooperative PvE environment, adding to the tense and frightening nature of the game, with the added bonus of jump scares.
6. What is the minimum age to play Rainbow Six Siege?
The game is rated M for Mature by the ESRB, which is intended for ages 17 and older. However, this does not mean you legally cannot play the game. This is simply a guideline given to help parents make informed decisions about the games their children play.
7. How bloody is Rainbow Six Siege?
Blood appears as red spray paint upon being shot and while not graphically realistic, it is still present in gunfights.
8. What are the age restrictions for creating a Ubisoft Account?
You must be at least 13 years old to create a Ubisoft account. Young player accounts can also be created, but there is a relevant age threshold for your country of residence.
9. Can younger kids play Rainbow Six Extraction?
The game is generally considered safe for players 13+, however, if the child is younger they can play based on their maturity and tolerance for tense situations and violence. The violence is very minimal as there are no human targets only aliens.
10. Why is Rainbow Six Extraction rated M?
The game is rated M by the ESRB due to its blood, drug reference, strong language, and violence. It’s all elements that combine to give the game the “Mature” rating.
11. Is Rainbow Six Siege gory?
The game does include gore and depictions of death, specifically “Many dead students are seen either shot or kill by toxic gas.” This can be shocking and unsettling for younger audiences.
12. Are there in-game restrictions for young players?
While the game is not specifically designed for young players, parents can use the settings to turn off voice chat and censor inappropriate language, if present. They should also always keep an eye on gameplay.
13. Who is the youngest operator in Rainbow Six Siege?
Mute is the youngest operator in Rainbow Six Siege at 25 years old.
14. What is the PEGI rating for Rainbow Six Siege?
In Europe, Rainbow Six Siege is rated PEGI 18, indicating it’s not recommended for those under 18.
15. Are there any other R6 games?
Other games within the Rainbow Six franchise include Rainbow Six Vegas, Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield, Rainbow Six Rogue Spear, and Rainbow Six Patriots, but none other besides Siege and Extraction have gained the same popularity.
Conclusion
Both Rainbow Six Siege and Rainbow Six Extraction are M-rated games that offer intense, tactical experiences. While this rating might not be a legal barrier, it provides clear guidance for players and parents regarding the appropriateness of the content. Understanding what makes these games earn an M rating is crucial to make informed decisions about who should play them. If you’re a parent, it’s essential to consider your child’s maturity level and comfort with violence and mature themes before allowing them to play. If you’re an adult gamer, it’s important to understand the content you’re consuming. With this information, you can make the best decision about your gaming experience with Rainbow Six.