Age Ratings
Ongoing coverage on Age Ratings.
Latest coverage
Multiple Games With Loot Boxes Become PEGI 16
PEGI has updated its age rating system, classifying games with paid random rewards, commonly known as loot boxes, as PEGI 16. This change affects popular titles like Pokemon GO, EA Sports FC, and Mario Kart Tour, which will now carry a 'Paid Random Items' warning label. The new policy, which began applying to newly submitted games in June 2026, is now retroactively impacting existing digital-only games across Europe and the UK.
GTA 6 Age Rating Confirms New Details on Sex, Drug Use, Decapitation, and More
Grand Theft Auto 6 has received a PEGI 18 age rating, which confirms details about its mature content. The rating specifically mentions elements such as decapitation, the ability for players to use cocaine at any time, and scenes depicting sexual fetishes.
Grand Theft Auto 6 may be the first GTA to have full-on "sex scenes", Hot Coffee not included
Grand Theft Auto 6 may be the first entry in the series to feature explicit sex scenes, according to age rating descriptions on the PlayStation Store. While previous games have alluded to or briefly shown sexual content, these descriptions suggest a more direct depiction, similar to games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur's Gate 3. The article notes that these descriptions might not be entirely accurate but points to the game's central romance between Jason and Lucia as a potential reason for their inclusion.
GTA 6 age rating suggests a more explicit game than GTA 5, singling out "sex scenes" in a step up from…
The Australian age rating for Grand Theft Auto 6 specifically lists "sex scenes," suggesting a more explicit experience than Grand Theft Auto 5. While the series has a history of mature content, this specific descriptor indicates a potential step up in explicitness for Grand Theft Auto 6.
GTA 6 will feature sex scenes as Vice City signs pop up in Miami
Age ratings for Grand Theft Auto 6 in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK confirm the inclusion of sex scenes, with the US rating describing it as 'strong sexual content'. This marks a potential shift from previous titles, especially given the game's focus on a romantic couple, Jason and Lucia. Marketing for the game, including a Vice City sign in Miami, has also ramped up ahead of its November 19 release.
I’m worried how GTA 6 is going to affect my children - Reader’s Feature
A reader expresses concern about the impact of Grand Theft Auto 6's realistic graphics and mature content on his young children. He worries that despite his efforts to shield them, they will be exposed to the game's violence and nudity online and at friends' houses, highlighting a growing issue with the increasing realism in video games.
Stellar Blade Switch 2 age rating suggests release date news could be imminent, and we probably won't be seeing any…
Stellar Blade has received an M rating from the ESRB for its Nintendo Switch 2 version, suggesting an imminent release date announcement. The rating indicates that the game will retain its mature content, including depictions of violence and sexualization, similar to its PlayStation 5 and PC releases. This port is expected to launch in 2026.
Next Metroid Game for Switch 2 Reportedly Leaked in Age Rating From Brazilian Government
A new Metroid game for the Nintendo Switch may have been leaked via an age rating filed with the Brazilian government's Ministry of Justice and Public Security. The filing suggests a new installment in the long-running franchise is in development.
Persona 6 is rated M for nudity and swears, and I'm now wondering if the JRPG might not be as far from launch as we…
Persona 6 has received an M rating from the Australian Classification Board for coarse language, nudity, and violence, suggesting the game is further along in development than previously indicated. While age ratings don't confirm release dates, they often signal upcoming certification processes. Atlus has stated that more information about Persona 6 will be revealed after the release of the Persona 4 Revival remake on February 18, 2027.
GTA 6 hopefuls encouraged by Sony to upgrade to PS5 now
Sony is encouraging PlayStation 4 owners to upgrade to PlayStation 5 to play Grand Theft Auto 6 upon its November 19, 2026 release. Recent marketing materials confirm the game has received a Mature 17+ rating from the ESRB, indicating development is on schedule. Analysts estimate Take-Two Interactive spent between $1 billion and $1.5 billion on the title.
Roblox introduces age-based accounts
Roblox is introducing new age-based accounts, including Roblox Kids (5-8), Roblox Select (9-15), and Roblox (16+), to enhance child safety and tailor content access. These accounts will automatically adjust based on user age and will be implemented alongside expanded parental controls and an International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) system. The changes aim to address concerns regarding child grooming, inappropriate content, and platform bans.
Bunny Garden Producer: Making games with “very restrained expression wouldn’t make anyone happy”
Yujiro Usuda, producer at qureate, discussed the challenges of creating risque games like Bunny Garden 2, emphasizing that overly restrained expression would displease players. He also touched upon how character design can impact age ratings, potentially restricting game sales. The company aims to continue creating games for a mature audience while exploring contemporary methods of expression.
New Switch 2 games Splatoon Raiders and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave age-rated in Europe
Two unannounced Nintendo Switch 2 games, Splatoon Raiders and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, have received age ratings in Europe. Splatoon Raiders was rated PEGI 7, similar to Splatoon 3, while Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave received a PEGI 12, consistent with previous entries in the series. These ratings suggest potential upcoming releases for Nintendo's next console.
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This article delves into the creation of the PEGI age rating sound recordings, often considered among the most heard audio clips globally. It explores the production process behind these iconic sounds and discusses the compensation involved for their creation.
Switch 2's New Feature: Epic Power Drain, Epic Gaming G... | TAG
Several gaming updates include Shenmue III's enhanced edition releasing on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, featuring 4K textures and UI improvements. Nintendo's Switch 2 may introduce a 'Handheld Boost Mode' that enhances performance at the cost of battery life. Concerns are rising over AI's use in new The Wheel of Time projects, while Crimson Desert players are frustrated with its controls. Bungie confirmed Marathon's endgame is weekend-exclusive, and Spider-Man's trailer broke GTA 6's view record. Netflix's live-action Assassin's Creed series has begun filming, and Fortnite's Chapter 7, Season 2 NPCs have been detailed. McDonald's is featuring Luma in its Super Mario Galaxy kids' meal toys, and the ESRB will not adopt Europe's new age rating criteria for paid random items. Vampire Crawlers is set for an April release.
ESRB will not adopt PEGI age-rating changes in the US as it "could be confusing"
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) will not adopt changes to its age-rating system announced by Pan-European Games Information (PEGI), citing potential user confusion. The ESRB maintains its ratings are based solely on game content and context, while PEGI is integrating factors like in-game purchases and communication into its system. PEGI's director general acknowledged the ESRB's concerns but defended the changes as necessary to keep parents informed.
US regulator won't follow Europe's lead and stick higher age ratings on games with loot boxes and daily quests, since it might confuse parents
The ESRB in the US will not follow PEGI's lead in assigning higher age ratings for games with loot boxes or daily quests, citing potential confusion for parents. PEGI plans to update its rating criteria to include these features, while the ESRB will continue to base ratings solely on content and context. Both organizations acknowledge the difficulty in balancing informative ratings with parental understanding.
Video game PEGI age-ratings are changing in Europe and it's probably not good news for EA FC Sports
PEGI, the Pan-European Game Information age-ratings body, is implementing significant updates to its criteria in June. These changes will introduce new categories to address addictive design, unmonitored online communication, and paid content, including loot boxes. Games like EA Sports FC, previously rated PEGI 3, may now receive a PEGI 16 rating due to in-app purchases like Ultimate Team card packs.
GTA 6 age rating - is Grand Theft Auto suitable for younger players?
Grand Theft Auto 6 has received an 'M for Mature' rating in North America and an '18' rating in the UK, indicating it is intended for adult players due to its depiction of blood and gore, intense violence, mature humor, nudity, strong language, strong sexual content, and use of drugs and alcohol. While specific details were briefly posted and then removed by PEGI, the ratings confirm the game will contain adult themes unsuitable for younger audiences.
