Every parent has the right to make an informed decision about which computer or video game is appropriate for their child. Because Best Buy wants you to make the best choices, we are proud participants in the game industry's standardized rating system developed by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). This independent rating system was established by the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA), the trade association for the interactive entertainment software industry.
The rating tells you what age group the particular computer or video game is appropriate for and is prominently displayed next to the product. The content descriptor tells you whether the game potentially contains violence, a sexual theme or other areas of concern to you. The ESRB ratings are not meant to tell you what to buy, but should be used in conjunction with your own tastes and standards when choosing a computer or video game for your child.
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Early Childhood Titles rated "Early Childhood (EC)" have content that may be suitable for children ages three and older and do not contain any material that parents would find inappropriate. |
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Kids to Adults Titles rated "Kids to Adult (K-A)" have content that may be suitable for persons ages six and older. These titles will appeal to people of many ages and tastes. They may contain minimal violence, some comic mischief (for example, slapstick comedy), or some crude language. |
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Everyone As of January 1, 1998, the new "Everyone" designation will replace the "Kids to Adults" rating. Titles rated "Everyone (E)" have content that may be suitable for persons ages six and older. These titles will appeal to people of many ages and tastes. They may contain minimal violence, some comic mischief (for example, slapstick comedy), or some crude language. |
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Teen Titles rated "Teen (T)" have content that may be suitable for persons ages 13 and older. Titles in this category may contain violent content, mild or strong language, and/or suggestive theme. |
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Mature Titles rated "Mature (M)" have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. These products may include more intense violence or language than products in the Teen category. In addition, these titles may also include mature sexual themes. |
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Adults Only Titles rated "Adults Only (AO)" have content suitable only for adults. These products may include graphic depictions of sex and/or violence. Adults Only products are not intended to be sold or rented to persons under the age of 18. |
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Rating Pending Product has been submitted to the ESRB and is awaiting final rating. |
When consumers look on the back of a package, they may see any of the following phrases that further describe the product's content.
Content Descriptors:
| Animated Blood |
Animated/pixilated or cartoon like depictions of
blood. |
| Animated Blood and Gore* |
Animated/pixilated or cartoon like depictions of
mutilation or dismemberment of body parts. |
| Animated Violence* |
Contains depictions of aggressive conflict
involving cartoon/animated/pixilated characters. |
| Blood |
Contains depictions of blood. |
| Blood and Gore |
Contains depictions of mutilation or
dismemberment of body parts. |
| Comic Mischief |
Contains scenes depicting activities
characterized as slapstick or gross vulgar humor. |
| Edutainment |
Content of product provides user wit specific
skills development or reinforcement learning within an entertainment setting.
Skill development is an integral part of product. |
| Gambling |
The depictions of betting like behavior. |
| Gaming |
The depiction of betting-like behavior. |
| Informational |
Overall content of product contains data, facts,
resource information, reference materials or instructional text. |
| Mature Sexual Themes |
Contains provocative material, including
depiction of the human body in either animated or photographic like formats. |
| Mild Animated Violence* |
Contains scenes depicting
cartoon/animated/pixilated characters in unsafe or hazardous acts or violent
situations. |
| Mild Language |
Product contains the use of words like "damn." |
| Mild Lyrics |
Mild references to profanity, sexuality,
violence, alcohol, or drug use. |
| Mild Realistic Violence* |
Contains scenes depicting characters in unsafe
or hazardous acts or violent situations in photographic detail. |
| Mild Violence |
Scenes or activities, which depict characters in
unsafe and/or violent situations. |
| Reading Skills, Fine Motor Skills, Higher-Level
Thinking Skills* |
These phrases are found only on products rated
Early Childhood and indicate whether children's reading, computer, or other
skills are used in these titles. |
| Realistic Blood* |
Representations of blood in realistic or
photographic like detail. |
| Realistic Blood and Gore* |
Depictions of mutilation of body parts in
realistic or photographic like detail. |
| Realistic Violence* |
Contains realistic or photographic like
depictions of aggressive conflict. |
| Some Adult Assistance May Be Needed |
Early Childhood Descriptor only. |
| Strong Language |
Commonly referenced four-letter words. |
| Strong Lyrics |
Profanity and explicit references to sex,
violence, alcohol, or drug use. |
| Strong Sexual Content |
Graphic depiction of sexual behavior and/or the
human form (i.e., frontal nudity) in either animated or photographic like
detail. |
| Suggestive Themes |
Mild provocative references or materials. |
| Use of Drugs |
Product contains images of the use of drugs in a
manner, which condones or glorifies their use. |
| Use of Tobacco and Alcohol |
Product contains images of the use of tobacco
and/or alcohol in a manner, which condones or glorifies their use. |
| Violence |
Scenes or activities, which involve violent
acts. |
* Discontinued descriptors that may still be in the market place.