Changes

The ESRB was established in September 1994 after [[Video game controversy|controversies surrounding video games]] due to the improved quality of 16-bit systems that allowed video game companies to create [[Violent video games|violent products]] where inappropriate material (for example, blood spilling) could be seen clearly. After congressional hearings held in 1992 and 1993, the software industry was given one year to establish a rating system or the [[federal government]] would create its own, resulting in the formation of various systems such as the 3DO Rating System and those of the Videogame Rating Council (VRC) and the Recreational Software Advisory Council (RSAC). The ESRB was formed after being presented and approved in Congress, eventually leading all companies to follow their ratings.

The ESRB was established in September 1994 after [[Video game controversy|controversies surrounding video games]] due to the improved quality of 16-bit systems that allowed video game companies to create [[Violent video games|violent products]] where inappropriate material (for example, blood spilling) could be seen clearly. After congressional hearings held in 1992 and 1993, the software industry was given one year to establish a rating system or the [[federal government]] would create its own, resulting in the formation of various systems such as the 3DO Rating System and those of the Videogame Rating Council (VRC) and the Recreational Software Advisory Council (RSAC). The ESRB was formed after being presented and approved in Congress, eventually leading all companies to follow their ratings.

==Rating System==

==Ratings==

===Rating symbols===

===Symbols===

They are a black-and-white rectangular logo with the rating's name and a prominent codification of the rating in few alphanumeric characters. The ESRB describes them as follows:<ref>http://www.esrb.org/ratings/ratings_guide.jsp</ref>

They are a black-and-white rectangular logo with the rating's name and a prominent codification of the rating in few alphanumeric characters. The ESRB describes them as follows:<ref>http://www.esrb.org/ratings/ratings_guide.jsp</ref>

Additionally, there's the no longer used '''Kids to Adults (K-A)''' rating that was replaced by the '''Everyone (E)''' mentioned above.

Additionally, there's the no longer used '''Kids to Adults (K-A)''' rating that was replaced by the '''Everyone (E)''' mentioned above.

===Content Descriptors===

===Content descriptors===

 

These are brief explanations for the content within the game. They consist of a title and an explanation of the respective content as follows:

These are brief explanations for the content within the game. They consist of a title and an explanation of the respective content as follows: