I don't think it really matters too much. Parents are still going to buy their kids "M" rated games without knowing what the content is and without knowing about the way games are rated. They need to advertise game ratings on television more often so that parents know not to get certain games for their kids. I'm looking at you, Call of Duty.
Kids are exposed to commercials for "M" rated games all the time, but the parents should be responsible for the purchasing of the product. If your kid is underage, don't get the game for them, it's that simple. I grew up with parents that knew not to get me a game because it was not age appropriate. It's sad that we live in a world with all of these technological advances in technology and parents are too lazy to take care of and discipline their kids properly. When I was little and I didn't behave, I got the good ol' leather belt.

I'm actually surprised. I thought it would get stricter, but it's the other way around. Publisher's can do more to promote their M-rated games now. That's a good sign imho.

@King - I agree with you. It's always good to promote a game. I just don't like that even with this alteration, there's still gonna be kids getting "M" rated games because parents suck at parenting. It's not the publisher's fault. I really miss the 90's...

ESRB...advertising? What? They assign ratings to games that is the de facto standard to selling them via retail. They in no was can change how YOU want to advertise them, that's garbage. Maybe EU has that need, but this is America. To advertise a game you need no connection to the rating, it only has to follow standard broadcast regulations.

I like how they say all this, but to get a game rating from the ESRB requires $5000 minimum. Can you imagine paying $1000 for a small 30 second clip to be rated by them? They can go screw themselves, I hope no business slaps a rating on any piece of game content if not needed. Or they (Console makers) all use their own guidelines one day. ESRB needs to die, the console makers need to use their own criteria, and the parents need to stop giving their children everything at whim.

Look, it's quite possible for a child to play a mature game with no ill effects or changes in behavior. It is up to the parents to have the discretion to judge whether or not their individual child is emotionally and socially developed enough (aka 'mature' enough!).

That being said not all "Mature" games are equal... some of them are rated "Mature" but are incredibly immature as if they are targeted towards a 13yr old. The content of the game is mature but the mannerism it is presented in isn't.

I grew up on mostly 2 Mature rated games. (among other non-mature games)

1. Goldeneye 007
2. SOCOM US Navy Seals

A 007 game doesn't really feature much more than most kids would see on TV anyway.

SOCOM is a true hardcore TPS that really focuses on the ethics of teamwork.

Both of these games were deemed appropriate for me by my dad who had raised me behave much like a sensible adult would. I consider both of these games to feature a form of "classy" violence.

Also an issue is the parent/child power dynamic. What really made me such a reasonable child was the fact that my parents only played that power card if it was absolutely necessary (and when it was...a good ol whippin was the way). They did not treat me like a child they gave me the freedom to learn. If they told me no to something they don't respond "Because I said so" as being the reason why, instead they taught me their reasoning behind the decision.

So how do you raise a "mature" child... treat them like they aren't a child. Make them own up to their mistakes but show them the right way!

This concludes my rant.

(also Modern CoD games ≠ classy, it is one of those immature games- not saying it's bad to enjoy such a game... just it should NEVER be appropriate for children... keep it classy)

did it say 30fps?

This game looks more impressive each time I look at it.

click bait

UPDATE: The ESRB introduced the “in-game purchases” label in 2020. It has been pointed out to us that its presence in relation to Nintendo Switch titles has been regarding the ability to purchase a Nintendo Switch Online subscription and not any DLC or other post-release content. We regret the confusion and appreciate those who’ve brought this to our attention.