by Bruce Bostwick

Created on: December 15, 2008   Last Updated: December 17, 2008

Upon further examination on the ESRB rating system, it isn't perfect but is working to the best of its ability. Games that are rated the way they are generally fit towards that specific audience. For instance, when a game is rated M, it is intended for Mature Audiences meaning a group of 17 and up much like the Rated R movies that can sometimes be shown in theaters. What causes these controversies using this, as a scapegoat has to do with irresponsible parents not teaching their children right from wrong in the first place? The media however takes those people and they talk about their kids are playing these violent video games using that as a reason for the behavior in the first place. Probably a misconception is that playing video games is just a child's activity but it's not. To understand this would be best to give a simple look at what each rating represents along with what the intended audience is.

Rated E: Games like these generally are not a problem at all as it is geared towards everyone. Mostly it can consist of party games and generally speaking not the type of games you have to worry about at all if you think closely about it. Comparing it to the movie market, it would be like it being rated G for a general audience. There shouldn't be anything that should be offensive. Generally games that fit with Mario, Zelda, and of course arcade classics like Space Invaders, Asteroids, Pac Man, and others fit the bill in that particular region. Games like those are for anyone and everyone.

Rated T: To be honest, there really isn't a lot to say on that matter. It is like PG-13 as the content is a bit more for teens but maybe pre-teens to an extent based upon the matter itself. Games that would include mild violence and language would be considered for that rating.

Rated M: These are pretty much the symbol of an R rated movie that exists. It is designated for the age group of 17 and up. These are the type of games that get talked about in terms of video game violence. Perhaps the biggest one in the world to talk about that would be none other than the Grand Theft Auto series. There was a mod somewhere that did the hot coffee', which is very adult. Granted, you would have to be one of those types of people that spend all their time searching for it and not care about anything else.

Rated AO: This however is perhaps very rare considering that is hardly ever seen in stores. That is generally going to be sold most likely in an adult store meaning that it is not for children

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