ESRB Content Descriptors

Terms used for rating video games

by Mark Hughes

Everyone 10+ (E10+) Related Links Video Games Timeline

The following terms are used by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) to provide an impartial rating about video game content in order to better inform consumers about their choices.

alcohol reference

Reference to and/or images of alcoholic beverages

animated blood

Discolored and/or unrealistic depictions of blood

blood

Depictions of blood

blood and gore

Depictions of blood or the mutilation of body parts

cartoon violence

Violent actions involving cartoon-like situations and characters. May include violence where a character is unharmed after the action.

comic mischief

Depictions or dialogue involving slapstick or suggestive humor.

crude humor

Depictions or dialogue involving vulgar antics, including "bathroom" humor

drug reference

Reference to and/or images of illegal drugs

fantasy violence

Violent actions of a fantasy nature, involving human or non-human characters in situations easily distinguishable from real life.

intense violence

Graphic and realistic-looking depictions of physical conflict. May involve extreme and/or realistic blood, gore, weapons, and depictions of human injury and death.

language

Mild to moderate use of profanity

lyrics

Mild references to profanity, sexuality, violence, alcohol or drug use in music

mature humor

Depictions or dialogue involving “adult“ humor, including sexual references

nudity

Graphic or prolonged depictions of nudity

partial nudity

Brief and/or mild depictions of nudity

real gambling

Player can gamble, including betting or wagering real cash or currency

sexual content

Non-explicit depictions of sexual behavior, possibly including partial nudity

sexual themes

References to sex or sexuality

sexual violence

Depictions of rape or other violent sexual acts

simulated gambling

Player can gamble without betting or wagering real cash or currency

strong language

Explicit and/or frequent use of profanity

strong lyrics

Explicit and/or frequent references to profanity, sex, violence, alcohol or drug use in music

strong sexual content

Explicit and/or frequent depictions of sexual behavior, possibly including nudity

suggestive themes

Mild provocative references or materials

tobacco reference

Reference to and/or images of tobacco products

use of drugs

The consumption or use of illegal drugs

use of alcohol

The consumption of alcoholic beverages

use of tobacco

The consumption of tobacco products

violence

Scenes involving aggressive conflict. May contain bloodless dismemberment.

violent references

References to violent acts

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