-Why? The ratings are about 98% effective. There are people who want to get rid of a good working rating system becuase they'd rather focus on the remaining 2% (Hot Coffee, and Oblivion re-rating). Then take that 2% and blow it out of proportion. Things she and other people like her should know is that:-
they are 98% accurate but they are very vague. I mean, stating that a game is meant for 17+, contains lots of blood, lots of violence, etc. doesn't really tell you that much about the game itself. It does give out the things that the average parents wants to watch out for, but it doesn't give you anything like an in depth look. When it comes to understanding a game (or any media), nothing beats actually researching the game. A good game review will tell you everything the ESRB tells you and much, much more.
-1. The ESRB is a guideline, not an enforcement. That is left to the people who get to have that job. The Parents. 2. The ESRB would be more efficitive if (and only if) the parents take the time to look a game over before buying it.-
and She seems to understand both those points well.... 1. she never said that the ESRB ratings were supposed to be anything more than a guideline... 2. the only difference between what you say here and what she said that she said "no esrb" and you said "use esrb"... however she's technically as right as you are because as i said before, researching a game will usually tell you everything the esrb says and more, thus when you go actually research games the esrb rating becomes rather pointless... We wouldn't even need a rating system if parents just looked up the info for themselves (which what she is asking parents to do)
Oh and also, if you noticed she's not commenting on the ESRB, she's commenting on ratings systems in general... not just video games, but movies, and other forms of rated media... she's essentially saying "instead of using vague ratings for media, get an strong indepth look"
though i'll admit, "distrust" is a bit strong of a word; that makes it sound like the ratings are wrong... i'd probably go with something a little easier like "ignore"... or i would have just not mention the ratings and simply said "research the game/film"
though i'll admit, "distrust" is a bit strong of a word; that makes it sound like the ratings are wrong...
I agree, although reading her reasoning why I can see why she said it. Stuff like KidScore being focused on negative reviews, and skipping over positive games like DDR (which has never gotten a KidScore review), or the fact that ratings can possibly be linked to real or imagined political pressuring. (she lists two movies, one is rated R but is suitable for teens with parental supervision, the other is listed as PG-13 but is unsuitable...)
Her wording was a little harsh, and I disagree with dismissing the ratings entirely, but I do think they offer a good "first glance" review for a parent perusing the title list on a store shelf...
- they are 98% accurate but they are very vague. I mean, stating that a game is meant for 17+, contains lots of blood, lots of violence, etc. doesn't really tell you that much about the game itself. It does give out the things that the average parents wants to watch out for, but it doesn't give you anything like an in depth look. When it comes to understanding a game (or any media), nothing beats actually researching the game. A good game review will tell you everything the ESRB tells you and much, much more.
Here's the way I see it. The Avarage parent should be going....
Mature 17+? Blood and Gore? Intense Violence? Strong Language? Strong SEXUAL Content? Use uf Drugs?
From what I see here This game must be for someone Seventeen years and older. There is a lot of bloodshed. and it is very violent. there is a lot very nasty things being said in this game. It looks like sex plays a large part in this game. And there might be drug use in this game. And they might not be talking over-the-counter Advil at that. If. If this means what I think it means then I should not be getting this for my 12 year old child.
END. OF. STORY. Yes parents should get all the information they can on a game. Maybe more if you need more convincing. But The esrb is helpful and to all the anti-gamers (ahem, I ment Anti-Violence people) out there, It's not a broken system. You just have to take maybe five to ten (fifteen tops) minutes out of your busy day to do a little research on a game your child wants. I agree. Do your reasearch. Don't have time? If your child is improtant to you then you will make time. She said one thing I'll agree with. Play the games with your child. (If time permits.) Who knows? You can both learn about the game together. And if it's a one-player game, then take turns. Thats what my mother did. I learned almost every secret I know in Super Mario Brothers by playing with her.
they are 98% accurate but they are very vague. I mean, stating that a game is meant for 17+, contains lots of blood, lots of violence, etc. doesn't really tell you that much about the game itself. It does give out the things that the average parents wants to watch out for, but it doesn't give you anything like an in depth look. When it comes to understanding a game (or any media), nothing beats actually researching the game. A good game review will tell you everything the ESRB tells you and much, much more.
-1. The ESRB is a guideline, not an enforcement. That is left to the people who get to have that job. The Parents.
2. The ESRB would be more efficitive if (and only if) the parents take the time to look a game over before buying it.-
and She seems to understand both those points well....
1. she never said that the ESRB ratings were supposed to be anything more than a guideline...
2. the only difference between what you say here and what she said that she said "no esrb" and you said "use esrb"... however she's technically as right as you are because as i said before, researching a game will usually tell you everything the esrb says and more, thus when you go actually research games the esrb rating becomes rather pointless... We wouldn't even need a rating system if parents just looked up the info for themselves (which what she is asking parents to do)
Oh and also, if you noticed she's not commenting on the ESRB, she's commenting on ratings systems in general... not just video games, but movies, and other forms of rated media... she's essentially saying "instead of using vague ratings for media, get an strong indepth look"
though i'll admit, "distrust" is a bit strong of a word; that makes it sound like the ratings are wrong... i'd probably go with something a little easier like "ignore"... or i would have just not mention the ratings and simply said "research the game/film"
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I agree, although reading her reasoning why I can see why she said it. Stuff like KidScore being focused on negative reviews, and skipping over positive games like DDR (which has never gotten a KidScore review), or the fact that ratings can possibly be linked to real or imagined political pressuring. (she lists two movies, one is rated R but is suitable for teens with parental supervision, the other is listed as PG-13 but is unsuitable...)
Her wording was a little harsh, and I disagree with dismissing the ratings entirely, but I do think they offer a good "first glance" review for a parent perusing the title list on a store shelf...
Reply
Here's the way I see it. The Avarage parent should be going....
Mature 17+?
Blood and Gore?
Intense Violence?
Strong Language?
Strong SEXUAL Content?
Use uf Drugs?
From what I see here This game must be for someone Seventeen years and older. There is a lot of bloodshed. and it is very violent. there is a lot very nasty things being said in this game. It looks like sex plays a large part in this game. And there might be drug use in this game. And they might not be talking over-the-counter Advil at that. If. If this means what I think it means then I should not be getting this for my 12 year old child.
END. OF. STORY.
Yes parents should get all the information they can on a game. Maybe more if you need more convincing. But The esrb is helpful and to all the anti-gamers (ahem, I ment Anti-Violence people) out there, It's not a broken system. You just have to take maybe five to ten (fifteen tops) minutes out of your busy day to do a little research on a game your child wants. I agree. Do your reasearch. Don't have time? If your child is improtant to you then you will make time. She said one thing I'll agree with. Play the games with your child. (If time permits.) Who knows? You can both learn about the game together. And if it's a one-player game, then take turns. Thats what my mother did. I learned almost every secret I know in Super Mario Brothers by playing with her.
- Warren Lewis
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