The Following Article Is Rated: Stuff You Should Know

Have you ever wondered what those little symbols and letters on video game covers actually mean? You’ve probably seen that “M” (for Mature) or “E” (for Everyone)—and maybe you’ve asked yourself, “who’s PEGI, and does it even matter?” 

Well, these concepts are all a part of a larger video game rating system and it’s important for you both to know what they are and, yes, they still matter. 

Different Rating Systems Around the World

Video game rating systems aren’t universal. They vary depending on where you live, reflecting different markets and cultural contexts. The two biggest names to know are the PEGI (Pan-European Game Information) in the European market and the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) in the North America market (the U.S., Canada, and Mexico). Both work towards helping parents and players better understand what game content is appropriate based on age and content type. But what if you're not in one of these regions?

Other Regions: Different Needs, Different Systems

Outside of Europe and North America, rating systems can look a little different. In India, for example, there’s currently no national rating system, but groups like the All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF) are advocating for one. Similarly, Brazil uses the Brazilian Advisory Rating (Classificação Indicativa), which is applied to all forms of media, not just video games. Some parts of Africa are still developing or considering their own rating systems, recognizing that local cultural factors are key to understanding what’s appropriate for their audiences.

Why Different Systems?

You might be thinking, “why don’t countries just adopt one global system?” Well, the answer is that gaming communities vary widely across regions. Different countries have unique cultural norms, values, and sensitivities. What seems fun to one culture could have harmful or dangerous connotations in another. The games that are considered acceptable or appropriate in one place might not fit the cultural landscape in another. Having separate systems ensures that ratings are tailored to local contexts, which is a good thing.

Ratings Are Helpful, But They Aren’t Everything

While rating systems are a helpful guide, they don’t give you the full picture. At the end of the day, the best way to know if a game is suitable for your child is to play with them. By being engaged in the play you can directly assess what your child is experiencing and whether it aligns with your values. In many ways, you are able to be your own personal rating system.