ESRB releases mobile app for easy access to video game rating summaries
Now it’s even easier for parents to get the information they need before buying a video game. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) – which assigns the ratings for video games – has released a new version of its free mobile app, which allows parents to get an in-depth rating summary of a game by taking a photo of the game box with their iPhone or Android camera.
Rating summaries, which are available at ESRB.org but are not displayed on game boxes, provide parents with a detailed, straight-forward explanation – including specific examples – of the content that factored into a game’s rating. By using the ESRB mobile app to access rating summaries, parents can make truly informed game choices for their children.
“When buying a video game for a child it’s important to check the game’s rating and understand its content to determine if it’s the right choice,” says ESRB president Patricia Vance. “With our new mobile app all you have to do a snap a photo to access the rating summary right from the store, where this information is usually needed most. By using the ESRB ratings – and tools like rating summaries – parents can be confident that they’re giving games this holiday season that are not only fun, but also appropriate.”
The ESRB mobile app is available for free via the Apple App Store or the Android Market. It offers easy access to ESRB rating information for over 20,000 titles by either taking a photo of the game box or typing in the name of the game. Rating summaries are available for all games rated since July 1, 2008, including most of the games that are likely to appear on kids’ wish lists this holiday season.
