Why is Hitman 3 an 18?
Hitman 3 carries an 18 rating from PEGI (Pan European Game Information) and an M for Mature (17+) from the ESRB (Entertainment Software Ratings Board) primarily due to its depictions of strong violence, including violence against innocent and defenceless characters, and the use of strong language. The core gameplay revolves around assassinations, often requiring players to get up close and personal with their targets, sometimes in graphic and bloody ways. Furthermore, the game contains elements like drug use, alcohol consumption, and smoking, which contribute to its mature rating. The combination of these factors means it is considered unsuitable for individuals under the age of 18 according to PEGI standards.
Understanding the Rating System
Before delving deeper, it’s crucial to understand what these ratings signify. PEGI ratings are used across Europe to ensure that games are clearly labelled based on the content they contain. An 18 rating specifically means the game contains content only suitable for adults and can include graphic violence, sexual activity, or promotion of illegal activities. The ESRB rating of Mature (M) also indicates the game is intended for audiences aged 17 and older, and may include intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language. These ratings aren’t just suggestions; they are designed to help parents make informed decisions about the games their children play. The Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, offers additional insights into how gaming can be both entertaining and educational, and also provides resources on understanding game ratings.
The Specific Content Concerns
Violence and Assassination Mechanics
The most prominent reason for Hitman 3’s rating is its violent content. Players embody Agent 47, a professional assassin, tasked with eliminating targets in various elaborate scenarios. The game encourages creative and sometimes brutal methods of assassination, ranging from using firearms and knives to orchestrating accidents and utilizing environmental hazards.
- Up-close and Personal Kills: The game allows players to engage in close-quarters combat, resulting in visceral and often graphic takedowns.
- Accidental and Orchestrated Violence: A significant aspect of Hitman 3 involves setting up “accidents” to eliminate targets, such as rigging explosions or causing objects to fall on them. These scenarios often involve realistic physics and can be visually impactful.
- Violence Against Non-Combatants: While the primary goal is to eliminate designated targets, the game allows players to harm or kill non-player characters (NPCs), including civilians. Although these actions may negatively affect the player’s progress, the ability to commit such acts contributes to the game’s mature rating.
Strong Language and Mature Themes
Beyond violence, Hitman 3 incorporates strong language and touches upon various mature themes. While the frequency of profanity may vary depending on the player’s actions and choices, the game does include instances of harsh language deemed unsuitable for younger audiences.
- Profanity: The presence of strong profanity is a factor considered by rating boards. While not constant, the occasional use of strong language elevates the game’s maturity level.
- Drug and Alcohol Use: The game features characters consuming alcohol and smoking. It also includes references to illegal drugs, such as cannabis and other narcotics, further contributing to its 18 rating.
- Mature Dialogue: The game’s dialogue often explores mature themes, including discussions of crime, corruption, and the consequences of violence. These elements are not necessarily graphic but contribute to the overall adult tone of the game.
Blood and Gore
While Hitman 3 is not excessively gory compared to some other Mature-rated titles, it does feature blood effects during combat. Blood splatters appear on walls, and pools of blood can be seen under corpses. Although the gore is relatively mild, the presence of blood and visible consequences of violence enhance the game’s realistic and mature feel. The game emphasizes the consequences of violence, even if not overtly graphic.
Parent’s Perspective
As the article extract suggests, the decision to allow a younger player to engage with Hitman 3 depends heavily on individual parental perspectives. Some parents may feel that the game’s focus on strategic thinking and problem-solving outweighs the mature content, while others may be concerned about the violent themes and potential impact on their children. It’s important for parents to carefully consider the content and their child’s maturity level before making a decision.
Conclusion
In summary, Hitman 3 is rated 18 due to its depictions of strong violence, use of strong language, and inclusion of mature themes such as drug and alcohol use. The combination of these elements makes it unsuitable for individuals under the age of 18, according to PEGI standards. Parents should carefully consider these factors when deciding whether to allow their children to play the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Hitman 3 okay for a 15-year-old?
No, Hitman 3 has received a PEGI 18 rating, which restricts its availability to adults only and is not suitable for anyone below this age due to strong violence and language.
2. Why is Hitman 18 plus?
The game receives its PEGI 18 rating for “motiveless violence against innocent characters” and “strong language,” as stated by the Games Ratings Authority (GRA).
3. Is there blood in Hitman 3?
Yes, blood effects occur frequently during combat, and pooling appears under corpses.
4. Is Hitman 3 okay for a 12-year-old?
Generally, no. While some may argue it’s comparable to PG-13 movies, the PEGI 18 rating reflects the presence of mature themes and violence that are not appropriate for a 12-year-old.
5. Is Hitman 3 okay for a 10-year-old?
No, due to the game’s PEGI 18 and ESRB Mature 17+ ratings, it is not suitable for a 10-year-old.
6. Is Hitman 2 kid-friendly?
No. Hitman 2 contains drugs (with a mission in Colombia revolving around a drug cartel), violence, and mature themes, making it unsuitable for children.
7. Why is Hitman 2 Rated R?
Hitman 2 is not rated R. It’s similar to Hitman 3: strong violence, drug references, and mature themes.
8. How old is Agent 47?
According to the wiki, Agent 47 was born on September 5, 1964.
9. Can you turn off the blood in Hitman?
No, there is no option to disable blood effects in the Hitman games.
10. How violent are the Hitman games?
Hitman games are considered violent. They feature shooting, strangling, and the use of various weapons to eliminate targets, often resulting in blood splatters and visible consequences.
11. Is Hitman 3 dark?
Yes, Hitman 3 has a “more mature, serious, darker” tone compared to Hitman 2.
12. What is the age rating for GTA 5?
GTA 5 is rated R18+ due to strong violence, gore, swearing, and drug/alcohol use.
13. Why is Hitman rated MA?
Hitman is rated MA (Mature Audiences) for strong bloody violence, language, and some sexuality/nudity.
14. Is Hitman 2 gory?
While killing is penalized, players can still knock out non-target characters. There is some blood, but the gore is not excessive.
15. What is the minimum PC requirement for Hitman 3?
The minimum PC requirements for Hitman 3 include an Intel Core i5-2500K / AMD Phenom II X4 940, 8 GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 / AMD Radeon HD 7870.