Games with higher age ratings than their content actually warrants have become a surprisingly common phenomenon in the gaming industry. While age rating systems like ESRB and PEGI exist to protect younger players from inappropriate content, sometimes these ratings seem to miss the mark entirely.
The disconnect between actual game content and official ratings creates confusion for parents trying to make informed decisions about what their children can play. More importantly, it highlights inconsistencies in how rating boards evaluate different types of content across various gaming genres.
Why Do Games Get Higher Ratings Than Necessary?
Several factors contribute to games receiving inflated age ratings. Rating boards often focus on isolated instances of mature content rather than evaluating the overall gaming experience. A single use of strong language in an otherwise family-friendly puzzle game can bump it from an Everyone rating to Teen or Mature.
The ESRB and PEGI systems also tend to be more conservative with video games compared to other media. Content that would earn a PG-13 movie rating often receives a Mature (17+) rating when found in games, creating an inconsistent standard across entertainment platforms.
Classic Examples of Over-Rated Games
Portal Series – Rated T for Teen
Valve’s beloved puzzle game Portal carries a T rating primarily due to GLaDOS’s dark humor and mild violence from turrets. However, the game’s content is remarkably tame compared to most Teen-rated titles. The worst violence involves getting shot by automated turrets, and the humor, while clever, rarely ventures into truly inappropriate territory.
Batman: Arkham Knight – Rated M for Mature
This superhero game received an M rating despite featuring the same type of combat found in many T-rated games. While Arkham Knight certainly has darker themes than typical Batman media, the violence consists mainly of non-lethal takedowns and detective work. Many fans argue the rating should align more closely with other superhero games in the T category.
Life is Strange – Rated M for Mature
This narrative adventure game about teenage life received an M rating largely due to language and some mature themes. However, the game deals with issues that teenagers face daily, and its content is generally less intense than many TV shows targeted at similar age groups. The rating seems particularly harsh given the game’s focus on emotional storytelling rather than explicit content.
The Language Problem
One of the most common reasons games with higher age ratings receive inflated classifications is strong language. The ESRB automatically bumps games to M rating for frequent use of the F-word, regardless of context or overall content appropriateness.
This creates situations where puzzle games or narrative experiences get the same rating as violent action titles simply because characters occasionally swear. The rigid language guidelines don’t account for how naturally profanity might fit within a game’s narrative or target audience.
Comparison With Other Media
The disparity becomes more obvious when comparing game ratings to movies and television. Shows like “13 Reasons Why” tackle extremely mature themes while maintaining a TV-14 rating, yet games exploring similar territory often receive M ratings. This inconsistency suggests that rating boards may apply different standards to interactive entertainment.
| Game | Current Rating | Suggested Rating | Main Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portal | T | E10+ | Mild violence, dark humor |
| Life is Strange | M | T | Language, mature themes |
| Batman: Arkham Knight | M | T | Violence, dark themes |
Regional Rating Differences
Games with higher age ratings often receive different classifications across regions, highlighting the subjective nature of content evaluation. A game rated 18+ in one country might receive a 12+ rating elsewhere, suggesting that cultural differences significantly impact how content is perceived and classified.
These regional variations demonstrate that there’s no universal standard for determining appropriate age ratings, making it even more important for parents to research games individually rather than relying solely on official ratings.
Impact on Game Sales and Accessibility
Higher age ratings can significantly impact game sales and accessibility. Many retailers refuse to sell M-rated games to minors, and console manufacturers often restrict how these games can be marketed and distributed. This creates financial incentives for developers to aim for lower ratings, sometimes leading to censorship or content changes that may not improve the gaming experience.
The rating system’s impact extends beyond individual purchases. Games with inflated ratings may struggle to reach their intended audience, particularly when dealing with narrative experiences designed for younger players but rated up due to technical violations of rating guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some puzzle games have mature ratings?
Puzzle games sometimes receive mature ratings due to strong language, adult themes in the narrative, or occasional violent content that rating boards consider inappropriate for younger audiences, even if the core gameplay is suitable for all ages.
Are game ratings more strict than movie ratings?
Generally yes, game rating systems tend to be more conservative than film ratings. Content that might earn a PG-13 movie rating often receives a Teen or Mature game rating, creating inconsistencies across entertainment media.
Can game ratings change after release?
Yes, games can receive updated ratings if new content is discovered or if rating standards change over time. Some classic games have been re-rated when re-released on modern platforms.
How do different regions rate the same games?
Regional rating systems often produce different results for identical games due to cultural differences and varying standards. A game rated for adults in one country might receive a teen rating elsewhere.
Do higher ratings always mean more inappropriate content?
Not necessarily. Sometimes games receive higher ratings due to technical violations of rating guidelines rather than genuinely inappropriate content. Language use, brief violence, or mild adult themes can bump ratings significantly.
Should parents ignore game ratings when making decisions?
Parents shouldn’t ignore ratings entirely, but they should research specific games and consider their child’s maturity level. Reading detailed content descriptions and reviews often provides better guidance than ratings alone.
Moving Forward
The gaming industry continues to evolve, and rating systems need to adapt accordingly. More nuanced approaches that consider context, overall tone, and target audience could help create more accurate ratings that better serve both parents and players.
Understanding that games with higher age ratings than their content warrants exist helps consumers make more informed decisions. By looking beyond simple age classifications and examining actual game content, players and parents can better determine what entertainment is truly appropriate for their situation.