Violent games can and do get a "T" (Teen) rating simply by removing realistic gore and bloodshed. Other censors complain that games like "BMX XXX", which contains nudity, got only an "M" rating, avoiding the taboo "AO" rating. However, unlike in movies, game producers are scared of showing nudity or using the f-word in games.
The ESRB and/or the MPAA could institute seperate ratings for Sex and Violence, or use something similar to the "descriptors" in TV ratings. They MUST be on the front of the box to be effective, and must have explanatory text also on the front.
Possibilities?
1. Use the existing ratings, with added "descriptors" for Sex (S), Language (L) and Violence (V). Example: M-V (Mature - Violence)
2. Use the existing ratings, plus several rating levels for each of Sex, Language and Violence.
Sex: None (no descriptor), Sexual Themes (ST), Nudity (SN)
Language: None (no descriptor), Mild (LM), Strong (LS)
Violence: None (no descriptor), Mild (VM), Violent (V), Ultra-Violent (VU)
3. Eliminate the age-based rating and only use the content-based ratings.
It would probably be better if the use of complex abbreviations is avoided, and instead the descriptors are printed on the front, below the main rating (or instead of it).
Slashdot Mirror
The ESRB and/or the MPAA could institute seperate ratings for Sex and Violence, or use something similar to the "descriptors" in TV ratings. They MUST be on the front of the box to be effective, and must have explanatory text also on the front.
Possibilities?
1. Use the existing ratings, with added "descriptors" for Sex (S), Language (L) and Violence (V).
Example: M-V (Mature - Violence)
2. Use the existing ratings, plus several rating levels for each of Sex, Language and Violence.
Sex: None (no descriptor), Sexual Themes (ST), Nudity (SN)
Language: None (no descriptor), Mild (LM), Strong (LS)
Violence: None (no descriptor), Mild (VM), Violent (V), Ultra-Violent (VU)
3. Eliminate the age-based rating and only use the content-based ratings.
It would probably be better if the use of complex abbreviations is avoided, and instead the descriptors are printed on the front, below the main rating (or instead of it).