Should Hitman 3 Be an 18? Examining the Age Rating of IO Interactive’s Stealth Assassin Game
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The question of whether Hitman 3 deserves its PEGI 18 rating is complex, eliciting debate among gamers and parents alike. The short answer, based on the criteria laid out by rating boards, is yes, it should be rated 18+. While some might argue the game’s violence is comparable to action movies or that its strong language is infrequent, the combined elements of motiveless violence against innocents, strong language (albeit infrequent), and blood effects justify the mature rating. However, it’s crucial to explore this decision in greater depth to understand the nuances behind the rating.
Understanding the Rating
PEGI 18: What Does It Mean?
A PEGI 18 rating signifies that a game is considered suitable for adults only and contains content that is not appropriate for individuals under 18 years of age. This rating is assigned based on the game’s overall content, which may include strong violence, graphic depictions of criminal behavior, strong language, and the use of illegal substances. In the case of Hitman 3, the rating stems from its combination of these factors, specifically its depiction of assassinations involving violence against both targets and non-targets, albeit not always graphic, and the potential for strong language.
Justifying the 18 Rating: Key Elements
- Violence Against Innocents: One of the primary reasons for the PEGI 18 rating is the game’s allowance for players to engage in “motiveless violence against innocent characters”. Unlike some action games where violence is directed at clearly defined enemies, Hitman 3’s open-ended nature allows players to attack and eliminate non-combatants. This element, while not always emphasized in the gameplay, still contributes to the overall mature theme of the game. The ability to eliminate anyone, regardless of their status, adds a layer of morally gray decision making, something not suitable for younger audiences.
- Strong Language: Although the game doesn’t constantly barrage players with profanity, strong language, including the F-word and S-word, is present in spoken dialogue. While the use is infrequent, it is still a factor that contributes to the mature rating.
- Blood Effects: Blood effects, while not excessive in most cases, do occur frequently during combat. These effects, along with the potential for pooling blood under corpses, can contribute to the game’s overall mature feel and are a component that rating boards consider when determining an age rating.
- Mature Themes: The entire premise of Hitman centers around assassinations and the life of a professional killer. The game’s mechanics are designed to give the player the ability to plan and execute deaths in a variety of ways. These mature themes, coupled with the violence and language, place it squarely within the 18+ category.
Comparing Hitman 3 to Other Media
Some have argued that Hitman 3’s violence is similar to that in PG-13 action movies or Daniel Craig’s James Bond films. While there might be similarities, the key difference lies in interactivity and control. In movies, viewers are passive observers, whereas in games, players are active participants. This interaction, coupled with the freedom to choose violent actions, amplifies the impact of the mature themes.
The Parental Role
The PEGI rating is not a law; it is an advisory guideline. Legally, it is only an offense to sell a game with a certain rating to someone under that age; it is not illegal for that person to play it with parental permission. Parents must use ratings as a tool when considering what media is appropriate for their children. The ultimate responsibility lies with the parents to understand the game’s content and make an informed decision based on their child’s maturity level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it illegal for someone under 18 to play Hitman 3?
No, it is not illegal for someone under 18 to play Hitman 3. The Video Recordings Act 1984 only makes it illegal to sell or supply a PEGI 18-rated game to a person under 18. It’s not illegal for a minor to play the game if their parents allow it.
2. Does Hitman 3 have a lot of swearing?
The swearing in Hitman 3 is infrequent, but it does include strong language such as the words “f–k” and “sh–t.” While not a constant barrage, the presence of strong language contributes to the mature rating.
3. Can you turn off the blood effects in Hitman 3?
Unfortunately, there is no option to turn off blood effects in Hitman 3. Although not excessive, blood appears frequently in combat and can pool under corpses.
4. How does Hitman 3 compare to other games in terms of violence?
Hitman 3 focuses on stealth and planning assassinations, not outright gore. While the violence is there, it’s often not graphic. However, the ability to kill anyone in the game and the various methods used set it apart from games that focus more on combat against clear enemies.
5. Is Hitman 3 a “dark” game?
Yes, Hitman 3 does have a “more mature, serious, darker” tone compared to previous installments. The game deals with themes of crime, death, and the ethics of assassination.
6. Why is Hitman 2 rated M?
Hitman 2 received its Mature (M) rating because of the depictions of drug use, including characters snorting cocaine and smoking cannabis, and the inclusion of strong language.
7. Is Hitman a crime game?
Yes, Hitman is considered a crime game. Players control Agent 47, a contract killer who carries out assassinations around the world. The entire game revolves around this criminal activity.
8. Is Agent 47 a human?
Agent 47 is a cloned human, genetically designed to be superior and capable of carrying out assassinations. He has a barcode tattooed on the back of his head as a unique identifier.
9. Is Hitman 3 better than Hitman 2?
Many consider Hitman 3 to be the best in the series, serving as an epic finale to the trilogy. It has a more cinematic style than its predecessors.
10. Is Hitman 2 appropriate for younger players?
Hitman 2 is not appropriate for younger players due to its Mature rating for violence, drug use, and strong language. Like Hitman 3, it carries an 18 rating due to violent and mature themes.
11. Is Hitman 3 okay for a 15-year-old?
Despite arguments that a 15 year old can handle it, Hitman 3 is rated for adults (18+) by PEGI, it is not considered suitable for anyone younger. The rating is assigned due to violence against non-combatants, strong language and blood effects.
12. Is the game’s violence comparable to R-rated movies?
The comparison between games and films is complex. Hitman Agent 47 was rated R, specifically for sequences of strong violence and language. While similarities might exist, the interactive nature of games makes the impact of violence more intense.
13. Are there any instances of drug use in Hitman 3 like Hitman 2?
While Hitman 3 does not focus as heavily on drug use as Hitman 2, the mature themes are still present, which contributes to its 18+ rating.
14. Should I let my 12-year-old play Hitman?
No, Hitman 3 has received a PEGI 18 rating due to strong violence and language which restricts the game to adults. It is considered unsuitable for anyone below that age. Parents are responsible for monitoring the games their children are playing.
15. What other game ratings should parents be aware of?
Parents should be aware of ratings such as Mature (M) and Teen (T) from the ESRB, as well as PEGI ratings. For example, Grand Theft Auto is not intended for kids, Assassin’s Creed is not recommended for minors, Fortnite is rated Teen, and Garten of Banban has a rating of 9+. Always check ratings before buying or allowing children to play video games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hitman 3’s PEGI 18 rating is a justifiable decision based on the game’s content, which includes motiveless violence against innocent characters, strong language, and blood effects. While some may argue that the game’s violence is not as graphic as other games, it’s the combination of these elements and the player’s agency in choosing violent actions that warrants the mature rating. Ultimately, parents need to consider these aspects and understand their own child’s maturity level when making a decision about allowing them to play Hitman 3. The PEGI 18 rating is there to provide a guideline, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the adult.