Do ESRB ratings address player chat, or player-generated content or downloadable music in online-enabled games?
ESRB ratings only address content created by the publisher, and cannot consider content that is created or introduced by individual players or other third parties when playing the game online. ESRB-rated games that can be played online with other players and which enable exposure to user-generated content are required to display an Online Rating Notice on the game’s packaging (if it exists), as well as in the opening screen. The Online Rating Notice states: “Online Interactions Not Rated By The ESRB.” This notice is intended to warn about possible exposure to chat (text, audio, video) or other types of user-generated content (e.g., maps, skins) that have not been considered in the ESRB rating assignment. Games that allow users to download songs will display the Music DLC Nnotice which reads: “Music Downloads Not Rated By The ESRB.” Downloadable music content does not have to be submitted to ESRB for rating, but it must display the Music DLC Notice and, if appropriate, its RIAA Parental
ESRB ratings only address content created by the publisher, and cannot consider content that is created or introduced by individual players or other third parties when playing the game online. ESRB-rated games that can be played online with other players and which enable exposure to user-generated content are required to display an Online Rating Notice on the game’s packaging (if it exists), as well as in the opening screen. The Online Rating Notice states: “Online Interactions Not Rated By The ESRB.” This notice is intended to warn about possible exposure to chat (text, audio, video) or other types of user-generated content (e.g., maps, skins) that have not been considered in the ESRB rating assignment. Games that allow users to download songs will display the Music DLC Notice which reads: “Music Downloads Not Rated By The ESRB.” Downloadable music content does not have to be submitted to ESRB for rating, but it must display the Music DLC Notice and, if appropriate, its RIAA Parental
