Topic: ESRB to introduce free ratings for download games

[TJ Spyke]

The ESRB is trying to expand the use of its rating system, and is doing do by letting downloadable games be rated quickly and for free. Developers will be able to get their game rated instantly by just filling out an online questionnaire  and can have it done for free. In addition to the age rating, this Digital Rating Service (as they are calling it) will also have privacy descriptors for customers. It will warn if a "game shares their personal information with third parties, their location with other users, or allows uncensored user interaction through direct communications, media sharing, or user-generated content."
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[/size]I assume this could apply to console and handheld games, but I think this was obviously aimed at iOS/Android/Windows Phone games.
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http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-10-24-esrb-rolls-out-no-cost-ratings-for-downloadable-games?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=us-daily

[NWR_insanolord]

This probably benefits Nintendo more than anyone. Mobile platforms have their own ratings systems and don't need this, and Microsoft and XBLA is mostly for higher profile download games that wouldn't have a problem with this. This reduces one of the biggest costs for developers to release games on the eShop, which should increase the number of games on Nintendo's platforms.

[TJ Spyke]

Regarding Microsoft, I could see the Xbox Live Indy games using this too.

But yeah, I could see this really helping the eShop since it makes it cheaper for developers to release games on it (since the $500 rating fee can be a deterrent for the smaller developers).

[Ceric]

Regarding Microsoft, I could see the Xbox Live Indy games using this too.

But yeah, I could see this really helping the eShop since it makes it cheaper for developers to release games on it (since the $500 rating fee can be a deterrent for the smaller developers).

ESRB Rating is only $500 really?  Most of those type of things in different industries are much more expensive.

[TJ Spyke]

Regarding Microsoft, I could see the Xbox Live Indy games using this too.

But yeah, I could see this really helping the eShop since it makes it cheaper for developers to release games on it (since the $500 rating fee can be a deterrent for the smaller developers).

ESRB Rating is only $500 really?  Most of those type of things in different industries are much more expensive.

It depends on the budget of the game. Games under $250K have a rating fee of $800. Games that have a budget over $250K have a rating fee of $2,500.

[Ceric]

Regarding Microsoft, I could see the Xbox Live Indy games using this too.

But yeah, I could see this really helping the eShop since it makes it cheaper for developers to release games on it (since the $500 rating fee can be a deterrent for the smaller developers).

ESRB Rating is only $500 really?  Most of those type of things in different industries are much more expensive.

It depends on the budget of the game. Games under $250K have a rating fee of $800. Games that have a budget over $250K have a rating fee of $2,500.

That's closer to what I was expecting.

[ejamer]

Without knowing all the details, this seems like fantastic news for gamers.

[noname2200]

There's gotta be more to the story than this. I'm surprised to see the ESRB letting money slip through its fingers!

[TJ Spyke]

I think they are willing to give up that money in order to spread the use of their ratings to cell phone games, iOS and Android developers might be more likely to get a ESRB rating if they can do it for free and the same day they submit it.

[noname2200]

But how does that ultimately benefit the ESRB? It sounds like it'd just be more work for less money, no?

[TJ Spyke]

Not much work, the article says the developers would basically just do a online survey and get their rating right away (so the ESRB wouldn't actually review the game). I assume they are looking long term

[noname2200]

Self-reporting eh? I foresee zero issues coming up!

[shingi_70]

Sounds good for gamer ans indie devs.

[nickmitch]

Sounds great. The big three will be more willing to promote digital games if they have ratings. Small devs will be able to grow in to big devs. More big devs means more money for the ESRB. Also, games. Everybody wins! Yay, free market principles!

[toddra]

I wonder what the world would be like if the government had stepped in back in the 90's instead of letting the ESRB form. Do you think it would have been better or worse for gaming? As for how this news will affect indie developers, anything obstacle removed is a good thing I think.

[NWR_insanolord]

Given how things have gone since then, I don't know that any government-enforced rating system they'd have put in place would have been able to hold up in court.

[Ceric]

For one thing it be a lot more political.

[TJ Spyke]

Given how things have gone since then, I don't know that any government-enforced rating system they'd have put in place would have been able to hold up in court.

The TV ratings system was set up by Congress and run by the FCC, so a video game version would have easily been able to be held up in court since the TV ratings system is government-enforced.

[MegaByte]

No, the TV Parental Guidelines do not have the backing of law; its participation is voluntary. Also, TV is broadcast in public, so it's traditionally fallen under different rules. But in any case, earlier this year, the Supreme Court cut back the FCC's purview over obscenities.

[nickmitch]

And now, Daniel Tosh can say the word "asshole." Yay, America!

[Shaymin]

Damn straight, nickmitch.

[Sarail]

And so can Mr. Anderson.