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ESRB: Fair or not?

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Steve1993

Hello everyone. It's been quite a while since I posted on this site... :-\

Anyway, I am in need of some help. I have this research report in my English class (Yes, I'm talking about
school work here...) that requires us to take a poll on our topic.
I have plenty of classes to participate in the poll, but I need more variety than just the students at my school.

So now, I am turning to the pokecharms forums and its members for help. If you would like to participate in the poll, please post your answers here. I'll stop by to check on them whenever I get the chance.
However, you are also free to debate this topic on your own here if that is what you wish. I don't expect everyone to participate on this poll if they post here, so I'm not forcing anyone to do anything.

So now that all of that stuff has been covered, here is the question:

Are the ratings the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) fair or unfair?
If you are giving me an answer for the poll, it must be one of the following...
1. Yes
2. Mostly
3. Sometimes
4. No

Please clearly state your answer if you chose to do so.
With that being said, I leave you all to your debating, which I will of course participate in.

And please help me out with this poll if you can... I would greatly appreciate it. :)

Edit: I also need you to post your age if you are posting for the poll.

Notice: The poll will drop on May 17. This topic will then become open to free discussion.
 
KoL

KoL

Expert FPS Player
Staff member
Moderator
I'd say Mostly. I've never had any problems with ESRB since I am a Nintendo fan, and I'm also 19. However, I wouldn't go as far as to say "Yes, everything they do is fair," since I have heard some complaints about games being rated higher than they should be by ESRB in the past.
 
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Steve1993

Oops, it seems that there's something I forgot to mention. I need you to also post your age...
(KingOfLucario, you seemed to have already done that. ;D)

I'll edit that into the first post.
 
Magpie

Magpie

Feathered Overseer
Staff member
Moderator
I think I'd say sometimes. While it hasn't really affected me so much, I know my brother complains about it a lot. (I'm 21 and he's 14). I'd say it's unfair sometimes, because a bit of language might knock up the rating to say an 18+, while another game might get away with a lot more. But on the other side of the argument is that the ratings are there for a reason, and besides, most kids (brother included) just ask their
mum/dad/older sister
 
leehage

leehage

Well, I'm sixteen and I believe the ESRB is mostly fair. Most of the mature content deserves to be mature, due to violence, cursing, etc. However, certain companies automatically attract unnecessary attention, like Rockstar. Its probably killing them they couldn't give Bully a mature rating. But I think video game companies like having the ESRB, simply because it takes the blame off of them. If a nine year old kid is playing Grand Theft Auto, whose fault is it? Rockstar's? Nope, the parent, since they would have to buy it.

If you're talking about censorship in general, look at dubbed One Piece. Absolutely destroyed the anime to the point that I have to go on youtube to watch it.
 
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Steve1993

So far, thanks everyone for your help. It hasn't been much, but every little bit counts! :D

...I'm not quite sure what shadowlatias was trying to say, though...
 
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Crasher24720

It honestly depends about the game. For instance: Halo 3. Great game. Only thing "M" about it is Cortana, and her lack of 'clothes'. The ESRB is scared of the parents overreacting to the Ailens blowing up. It dosen't even look like blood. Just Goo.
 
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Epic_Charmeleon

2. Mostly
in general I think the ratings are fine but sometimes I think ESRB is harsher or sexuality and more lenient on violence.
Like with Mass Effect It seam like if they cut out the 10 seconds of bare butt it might have been teen rated.

I'm 14 by the way ;D
 
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Steve1993

Ok, just to make a quick announcement, the poll will be down by May 17. May 18 is when my report is due.

I will leave this topic up, though, for free discussion.
As for everyone who has submitted an anwser, thank you all so much! I can't tell you how much this helps me. :)

...That is all. ;D
 
Aero

Aero

I'm going to go with MOSTLY. While theres blood and gore in games i don't care for them that much. I usually end up with E or T rated games cause i like racing or smash bros type fighting games. Although throw a couple swear words in the storyline or character speech and the rating gets knocked up. Theres no point to it swearing doesn't help and you could say less "offensive words" and bring the rating down to get to a larger crowd or just let it go we hear those words at school its sometimes worse than the games if the ESRB was to rate my school they would probably give it an AO (adults only) with how girls dress, and language (kids and adults), violence (rarely).

yeah i know your done taking the poll i just wanted to voice my opinion
 
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PlatinumAce

Well, I'd say the ESRB is sometimes fair. I mean, I'm 14 and my dad lets me play games of all ratings(except AO for obvious reasons). So, it's fair to me. Now, to other people who's parents may be a bit more strict, no. I mean, it seems like the ESRB just feels a need to slap something on every game, no matter how minor. I suppose what I'm saying is that the ESRB doesn't really affect me, but it does affect others and therefore my stand is on; It's fair sometimes.
 
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Nexle

Personally I don't think the ESRB really matters. People are going to play video games of various rating regardless of their age. ESRB is more and less just a label to keep the general public and people who can't make their own choices under control. This reminds of a court case awhile back when a woman tried to sue a gaming company (not sure exact details) for the cause of her child to have a seizure due to the "flashing lights" the console screen emitted.
 
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