Entertainment Software Rating Board

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is a self-regulatory organization that applies and enforces ratings, advertising guidelines, and online privacy principles for computer and video games and other entertainment software in North America (Quebec in 2004 and 2005). It was established in 1994 by the Interactive Digital Software Association (now the Entertainment Software Association). By early 2003, it had rated over 8,000 titles submitted by 350 publishers. The decision to found the ESRB was influenced by violent content found in games such as Mortal Kombat and Night Trap and other controversial video games depicting violent or sexual situations at the time. The ESRB applies ratings to games based on their content, similar to the motion picture rating systems used in many countries. Their aim is to aid consumers in determining a game's content and suitability. A game's rating is displayed on its box, the media, in advertisements and on game web site. The rating system... full article at wikipedia