Do retailers support and enforce the ESRB rating system?
While the ESRB does not have the authority to enforce its ratings at the retail level, it does work closely with retailers and game centers to display information that explains to customers how the rating system works. Many major retailers currently have their own store policies requiring age verification for the sale or rental of M (Mature) and AO (Adults Only) rated games, and ESRB encourages and supports these efforts. The most recent mystery shop study conducted by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found that national retailers enforced their store policies by refusing to sell M-rated video games to minors 80% of the time. For more information on the ESRB retail partnership program or the ESRB Retail Council (ERC), click here.
