Why the video game ratings no longer protect your children

There was an instruction on the other hand: I must imperatively choose a game that did not exceed the T rating (13 years. Similarly, over). Therefore, Beware of my father if it was not respected!

Today, we are still talking about these dimensions: E, T, M, A. Moreover, “ESRB” (Entertainment Software Rating Board) in good gamer! For example,

And even if it can sound like the savior of public transport in Quebec, it is not. Nevertheless,

Quick history – Why video game ratings no

• Creation of the ESRB (North America). Moreover, PEGI (Europe) after the controversy around games as Mortal Kombat in the 90s.
• Initial objective: inform parents of the explicit content (violence, sex, vulgar language).
• Functioning: based on the visible elements of the content, and not on the functioning of the why video game ratings no game.

The problem now? Consequently, These systems date from an era when the games were sold on CD. Consequently, on the good old cassettes where we sometimes had to blow inside, without possible purchases or updates.

Another problem? Similarly,

ESRB. Similarly, its European cousin the PEGI (Pan European Game Information) Do not even share the same dimensions on the same games! For example, They are both self -managed by the game industry and the system is based on “good faith”.

Why is this type of system is no longer up to date in 2025? – Why video game ratings no

The rating is based on the visible elements of the content and not on the functioning of the game. For example, This is why! However,

Your children play a lot of mobile games which are apparently extremely harmless. In addition, but why video game ratings no which are filled with highly addictive mechanisms! Furthermore,

Brawl Star This is an excellent example. In addition,

Classified 7+ on PEGI and 10+ on ESRB, so perfect for a young child, you will say!

The game has a style of cartoon with characters (brawlers) unrealistic that make wacky attacks. For example, Spike: a cactus with a small sleeveless jacket that launches small cacti on its enemies. We saw worse!

However. here is the list of (some) mechanisms of dependence in the game:

• Progressive unlocking of brawlers: Even after having withdrawn the loot boxes In 2022, brawlers are released via an event and slow progression system. It can take weeks to unlock a new character without paying.
• Battle pass (Combat pass): We spend in the game and come back to play it in order to complete why video game ratings no it.
• Targeted offers: The game knows which character we play. so it makes us discounts on different personalized products to make us spend.
• Quest system: The game brings us back in a daily. weekly and spontaneous way to complete quests in order to give us an illusion of progression.

Let’s say that all that seems not bad for the still immature brain of a 7 or 10 year old child. No?

And sincerely, free phone games are among the worst in my opinion! Do you know the adage? If it’s free, it’s you the product!

What parents really need

Possibly. it will be necessary to make it clear that video games will have to be classified by degree of dependence. We often speak on the addictive side of the games. but it would be relevant to know why video game ratings no the degree of dependence to which we expose ourselves and exhibit our children.

When I have a beer, I know its alcohol levels.

For legal cannabis, the THC level is clearly indicated.

Even on a pack of cigarettes, the risks are displayed.

After having discussed with hundreds of parents. a fear is constantly returning, and it is no longer the one that their child becomes violent because of the games, as my mother feared him 25 years ago.

Today, fear is that their child becomes addicted. Cyberdependent.

However. they have no way of knowing the degree of dependence on games on tablets (in every sense of the word “tablet”), unless of course do an in-depth research of the game and to know the different terms mentioned above.

Besides. this is what all why video game ratings no parents should do before buying a game from their child, but it is not always possible for lack of time, interest or knowledge.

Let’s just say that a more relevant rating that would be easily found. readable would greatly help parents in their decisions.

Is it realistic?

Personally, I appreciate this idea and I am sure that many experienced parents will agree! But is it achievable?

There are two issues that I quickly perceive: how? And who?

How to calculate the level of dependence of one game vis-à-vis another? Is it possible to do it? Would it be neuropsychologists, psychiatrists specializing in dependence, cyberpsychology researchers or completely left field with specialties in user experience?

And now, who would put this system in place and will make it respected? It would be the most why video game ratings no difficult problem. Should the government get involved? Currently, the video game industry self -regulates for the ratings of violence and age. But is it done in good faith? Would the industry be ready to do so for dependence levels?

We know Meta’s dubious position vis-à-vis on the addictive side of social networks. Can we trust the industry?

Possibly these questions should be answered and I think it will be faster than you think. There must be a change in the game industry to protect young players now that violence is no longer. the most dangerous issue with video games.

We see the government focusing more and more in these questions with the commission on last fall screens, among others.

Hoping that this proposal for a change of rating is making its way!