Everyone knows the difference between a “PG” and an “R” movie rating for children, but they may not know the different ways the ESRB (Entertainment Software Ratings Board) breaks down the ratings for video games. ESRB is a non-profit group, designed to be a resource for parents (that’s you and me!).
There is a new app for your phone that allows you to take a picture of a video game box and within seconds the ESRB sends (no charge) all the facts about the game.
Here is a link to the FREE app: RATINGS APP.
This is not for reviews, but rather the fact information that went into the “why” the game received the rating it did.
My son is almost 8. That makes it easy for me, I just buy the “E” rated video cartridges. But wait, some of the video cartridges that he wants, and that I feel are OK to have, are “E 10.”
Indiana Jones Lego 2 for Wii and a Star Wars Lego for Wii are rated “E 10″and I know some of his fellow 2nd graders have these titles. That is why I didn’t automatically say no, especially because it is Lego. With this app you can find out, while you are in the store, why the video received the rating it did. Maybe the on-screen instructions are 4th grade reading or maybe there is more violence. Whatever it is, the parent can now get this info while they are shopping, you don’t have to run home and look it up on your computer.
You can just go to a store, for example Best Buy, pick up the video, take a picture, and the app does the rest (see the above pictured examples). We all want more info, rather than less, and we all want to protect our kids most of all. I used to think it was easy, I just wouldn’t let him even look at videos with a “T” of “M” rating.
Now this app helps me decide when an “E 10” is OK to consider. This shopaholic appreciates that kind of info!
Discosure: I received no compensation for this post.
That is awesome! I never know if their mom will approve when I buy my godson and his brother video games. Now at least I can make a better judgement call.