Do Game Ratings Really Do Their Job?

Posted by simoniker on Wednesday November 26, 2003 @02:28PM from the anything-goes dept.

Thanks to CNN Money for its article exploring whether videogame ratings are as relevant as they need to be, with particular reference to Manhunt, the gory Rockstar-developed stealth action game which sparked similar discussions at Slashdot earlier this week over its M (Mature), but not AO (Adults Only) rating. The ESRB ratings board officially commented: "The ratings and content descriptors printed on all game boxes, including Manhunt, tell consumers what to expect from the game and provide the detail parents need to make informed purchasing decisions", but the CNN writer argues: "By way of comparison, 'Deus Ex: Invisible War', which hits streets next week, is also rated M... it's a game I wouldn't mind seeing a 15-year old play, whereas any responsible adult would cringe if they saw a child or young teen playing 'Manhunt'."

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Re:Dear Slashot by Anonymous Coward · 2003-11-26 15:34 · Score: -1, Offtopic

The damn game doesn't run on OpenVMS or OS/2! WTF? Insensetive clods, all of you! Natalie portman owns YOU in SOVIET FRIKKIN RUSSIA!

I for one welcome our ESRB ratings overlords!

Get yer stoned beaver NOW!