Are ESRB Ratings Legal?
ESRB ratings are not legally binding on consumers or retailers, but they do provide a guideline for parents and consumers to make informed decisions about the suitability of a game for a particular age group. The ESRB has an enforcement system in place, which allows for the imposition of sanctions, fines, and corrective actions on publishers for non-compliance with its guidelines.
Understanding ESRB Ratings and the Law
The main purpose of ESRB ratings is to provide information about the content of a game, including violence, language, and mature themes, to help parents and consumers make informed choices. While the ESRB ratings themselves are not legally enforceable, some retailers may choose to enforce them as a matter of store policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are ESRB Ratings Enforced by Law?
No, ESRB ratings are not enforced by law, but retailers may choose to enforce them as a matter of store policy.
2. Is it Illegal for a Person to Play an Age-Restricted Game if They’re Not Old Enough?
No, it’s not illegal for a person to play an age-restricted game if they’re not old enough, but it is illegal to supply an age-restricted game to someone under the specified age.
3. Why Do Parents Ignore ESRB Ratings?
Some parents may ignore ESRB ratings due to a misguided assumption that video games are designed for children, or they may not understand the content of the game.
4. Is ESRB Only in the US?
No, the ESRB system is used in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while the PEGI system is used in the UK and most European countries.
5. Is it Illegal to Play M Rated Games?
No, it’s not illegal to play M rated games, but retailers may choose not to sell them to underage customers.
6. Is it Illegal to Buy M Rated Games?
No, it’s not illegal to buy M rated games, but retailers may choose not to sell them to underage customers.
7. Is R Rated Worse Than M?
R rated content is generally considered more mature than M rated content, as it may include nudity, strong language, and graphic violence.
8. Do ESRB Ratings Matter?
Yes, ESRB ratings provide important information about the content of a game, helping parents and consumers make informed choices.
9. What is the Lowest ESRB Rating?
The lowest ESRB rating is EC (Early Childhood), which is suitable for persons ages 3 and older.
10. Is it Illegal to Buy an 18+ Game?
It’s not illegal to play an 18+ game if you’re under 18, but it is illegal to supply an 18+ game to someone under 18.
11. What Age Rating is Ban Ban?
The age rating for Garten of Banban is 9+.
12. Why is 13 the Age Limit for Social Media?
The age limit for social media is 13 due to US legislation that bans the collection of children’s personal data without parental consent.
13. Was Mortal Kombat the Reason for ESRB?
Mortal Kombat was one of the key games that led to the creation of the ESRB, due to its graphic violence and mature themes.
14. Is it Illegal to Sell an M Rated Game to a Minor?
No, it’s not illegal to sell an M rated game to a minor, as the ESRB ratings are not legally binding.
15. What are the Cons of ESRB?
One of the main cons of ESRB ratings is the lack of transparency in the ratings process, which can lead to inaccurate ratings and confusion among parents and consumers.