Gaming regulation is a topic that concerns everyone who enjoys playing video games. Many members of The Game Reviews have expressed interest in discovering how they may become more aware of governmental involvement in the video gaming rating system, and what they can do about its implications.

To that end, The Game Reviews spoke with Rich Taylor, the Senior Vice President for Communications and Research at the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), about efforts to shed some light upon the process of video game regulation.

The Entertainment Software Rating Board
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), is a non-profit, self-regulatory group established in 1994 by the ESA. The ESRB assigns computer and video game content ratings, enforces industry-adopted advertising guidelines and helps ensure responsible online privacy practices for the interactive entertainment software industry.

The ESRB aims to empower consumers, especially parents, with the ability to make informed decisions about the computer and video games chosen for their families through the assignment of age and content ratings, as well as holding the computer and video game industry accountable for responsible marketing practices.

The ESRB also provides advanced cautionary information about the grading and content of games, so that consumers, parents and caregivers can make informed decisions about the games that they are considering purchasing. Mr. Taylor explained, “The ESRB provides a great service by just giving information, which is a very powerful thing for engaged parents. It also is an excellent means for anyone who does care about the right of creative people to make creative works without government intrusion. The self regulated industry of creativity is better than a government related industry of creativity anytime.”