Read game ratings as a starting point, not a review

Check the age category

ESRB ratings are used in the United States and Canada to communicate age suitability and content information. PEGI serves many European markets with its own rating categories and descriptors. Systems differ, so use the rating displayed for your region and the rating organization's explanation rather than mapping one label directly onto another.

Read the descriptors too

Content descriptors can indicate why a game received a rating, while interactive elements may flag features such as user interaction or purchases where provided. They are not a complete review of every scene or the conduct of players online. Read the store listing, watch a trusted preview if appropriate, and consider the concerns most relevant to your household.

Pair ratings with family settings

A rating does not automatically block access on a device. Use platform parental controls to set content, communication or spending boundaries where available, then review the settings together. Ratings and policies can be updated, and regional catalogs may differ. ESRB and PEGI are the best sources for how their respective systems define labels and descriptors.

Sources and further reading

• ESRB: Ratings
• PEGI: What do the labels mean?