Controversial video game Manhunt 2 has been granted a mature certificate in the US, lifting an effective ban on the game. But the title has been refused a certificate in the UK. So how do ratings for video games operate around the world?
Each year, thousands of video and computer games hit the market. And with global gaming set to grow by as much as 50% in the next four years, there is a good chance that the number of titles per year will increase.
The majority of those games will go through some sort of vetting process before they reach consumers. How they are rated and labelled varies widely around the world.
In the United States, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) evaluates video and computer games.
The ESRB was created in 1994 by the entertainment software industry itself. The idea is to provide consumers with the information necessary to make informed decisions when it comes to buying games.
Source: news.bbc.co.uk
Rockstar confirmed late last week that their controversial sequel would see the light of day in the USA, after a revised version of the game was passed a 'Mature' rating, meaning that Sony and Nintendo would let the game launch on their platforms.
Now, Senator Leland Yee, who tried to pass a bill banning the sale of violent games in 2005 (which was blocked as unconstitutional), is demanding the ratings board explain their re-appraisal of the title.
ESRB president Patricia Vance responded: "Publishers submit game content to the ESRB on a confidential basis. It is simply not our place to reveal specific details about the content we have reviewed, particularly when it involves a product not yet released.Source: play.tm
Tags: CERTIFICATE | Entertainment | ESRB | Manhunt | mature | rated | software | United States | video game
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