When you look at game information websites, you also see the game’s age rating along with game details. Video game age ratings help players and parents understand whether a game is suitable for a certain age group. These ratings are based on the content found in a game, such as violence, language, fear, or mature themes. They are not about how good or bad a game is. They are meant to set clear expectations before someone starts playing. For example, a game with violence is not suitable for kids. Cyberpunk 2077 has a PEGI 18 rating. It means it contains violence, sex, and bad language. So, the game is strictly for gamers having age of 18 years old or older.
With gaming becoming more popular across all age groups, understanding video game age ratings has become more important than ever.
Why Video Game Age Ratings Matter
Video games are created for different audiences. Some are designed for children, while others are clearly meant for adults. Video game age ratings make this difference clear at the time of purchase or download. For parents, ratings act as a quick guide to decide what is appropriate for their children. For players, they help avoid content that may feel uncomfortable or unwanted.
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Who Decides Video Game Age Ratings
Game age ratings are assigned by independent rating boards. Developers submit gameplay footage and content details, which are then reviewed. Based on this information, a rating is given along with content descriptors. While ratings are reliable in most cases, personal judgment still plays a role. What feels acceptable to one person may not feel the same to another.
There is no single video game age rating that works across the globe. We have different video game age ratings in different regions.
| Rating System | Full Name | Regions Used |
|---|---|---|
| ESRB | Entertainment Software Rating Board | United States, Canada |
| PEGI | Pan European Game Information | Europe, United Kingdom, parts of Middle East |
| CERO | Computer Entertainment Rating Organization | Japan |
| USK | Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle | Germany |
| ACB | Australian Classification Board | Australia |
| GRAC | Game Rating and Administration Committee | South Korea |
ESRB Rating System
The ESRB rating system is used in the United States and Canada. It is one of the most widely recognized rating systems in the gaming industry.
| ESRB Rating | Age Group | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| E (Everyone) | All ages | Suitable for all players. May contain very mild cartoon violence or no violence at all |
| E10+ (Everyone 10+) | 10 and above | Mild violence or mild language |
| T (Teen) | 13 and above | Violence, mild language, or suggestive themes |
| M (Mature) | 17 and above | Intense violence, strong language, or mature themes |
| AO (Adults Only) | 18 and above | Graphic violence or explicit content |
Popular games like Mario Kart are rated E, while titles like Call of Duty usually carry an M rating.
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PEGI Rating System
PEGI is used across Europe, the United Kingdom, and several other regions. It focuses strongly on age suitability and content type.
| PEGI Rating | Age Group | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PEGI 3 | All ages | No frightening or violent content |
| PEGI 7 | 7 and above | Very mild violence or slightly scary scenes |
| PEGI 12 | 12 and above | Non graphic violence or mild language |
| PEGI 16 | 16 and above | Stronger violence or adult themes |
| PEGI 18 | Adults only | Graphic violence or explicit content |
Games like Minecraft are rated PEGI 7, while Cyberpunk 2077 carries a PEGI 18 rating.
CERO Rating System
CERO is the official video game age rating system used in Japan. It uses letter based ratings instead of numbers.
| CERO Rating | Age Group | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A | All ages | Suitable for everyone |
| B | 12 and above | Mild violence or suggestive content |
| C | 15 and above | Stronger violence or themes |
| D | 17 and above | Mature content |
| Z | 18 and above | Adults only content |
Many Japanese games are released globally with different ratings depending on the region.
USK Rating System
USK is the official video game age rating system used in Germany. It is known for strict enforcement, especially for violence related content. Age ratings in Germany are legally binding, which means retailers must follow them.
| USK Rating | Age Group | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| USK 0 | All ages | Suitable for everyone. No violent or disturbing content |
| USK 6 | 6 and above | Very mild and cartoon style violence |
| USK 12 | 12 and above | Non graphic violence and mild themes |
| USK 16 | 16 and above | Realistic violence and stronger themes |
| USK 18 | Adults only | Intense violence or mature content |
ACB Rating System
The Australian Classification Board rates video games in Australia. Some ratings are advisory, while others are legally restricted.
| ACB Rating | Age Group | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| G | All ages | Suitable for everyone |
| PG | Parental guidance | Mild themes or violence |
| M | 15 and above | Mature themes. Not legally restricted |
| MA 15+ | 15 and above | Stronger content. Legally restricted |
| R 18+ | Adults only | High impact violence or adult themes |
GRAC Rating System
GRAC is the official rating system in South Korea. It places strong emphasis on age verification, especially for online and digital games.
| GRAC Rating | Age Group | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| All | All ages | Suitable for everyone |
| 12+ | 12 and above | Mild violence or themes |
| 15+ | 15 and above | Stronger violence or suggestive content |
| 18+ | Adults only | Intense violence or adult themes |
Content Descriptors and What They Mean
Along with age ratings, video games also include content descriptors. These explain the reason behind the rating. Common descriptors include violence, strong language, fear, gambling elements, and online interactions. For example, a game rated Teen may also mention in-game purchases or online multiplayer interactions.
Why Video Game Age Ratings Matter
Ratings are based on the content provided by developers and reviewed by rating boards. They are generally accurate, but they do not reflect personal sensitivity. A game rated suitable for teenagers may still feel intense to some players. Checking gameplay videos or reading reviews can provide extra clarity before making a decision.
As digital downloads and online gaming continue to grow, video game age ratings remain an important tool. They help parents make informed choices and allow players to pick games that match their comfort level. Understanding video game age ratings makes gaming safer, more enjoyable, and more transparent for everyone.
