Whether you’re a lifelong gamer, a parent of a younger player, or a collector chasing down rare international releases, you’ve probably seen the various rating symbols stamped on game boxes. ESRB, PEGI, CERO, USK, ACB… they may look like just more stickers at first glance, but these little badges carry a lot of weight — and understanding them can save you from buying something totally inappropriate, censored, or even unplayable in your region.
A game rating system is essentially a content guideline intended to inform buyers — especially parents — about the age-appropriateness of a video game. Think of it like the MPAA ratings for movies or the TV Parental Guidelines, but for interactive media.
So, let’s break it down: what do these game rating systems mean, how do they differ internationally, and why should you care — especially if you’re importing titles from places like Japan, UK, Germany, or Australia?
Here’s a summary of the most popular ratings you’ll see out in the wild:
See the Complete Ratings Reference Guide below.
What Game Rating Systems Are (And Aren’t)
The catch? Each region has its own board, rules, cultural sensitivities, and thresholds for what’s acceptable. That means a game rated for everyone in one country might be banned or censored in another.
Here are the most widely used game rating systems:
- ESRB (USA & Canada)
- PEGI (Europe)
- CERO (Japan)
- USK (Germany)
- ACB (Australia)
- GRAC (South Korea)
Each board evaluates games based on content such as violence, language, sexual themes, drug use, gambling, and more. But the thresholds vary — a lot.
Why This Matters for Global Buyers and Collectors
If you’re a collector or import gamer, you’ve likely found amazing deals on sites like PlayAsia, Amazon Japan, or even eBay listings from across the globe. But just because a game is rated “for ages 12 and up” in Europe doesn’t mean the ESRB sees it the same way.
✈️ Buying European or Japanese Releases?
Here’s where it gets interesting. The same game can carry very different ratings, content, and even gameplay limitations depending on where it’s sold. For example:
- The Last of Us Part II was rated M (17+) by the ESRB, but its European PEGI 18 rating includes additional warnings about sexual violence, which ESRB often omits.
- Resident Evil 4 Remake had multiple CERO versions in Japan — the Z version (18+) is uncensored, while the D version (17+) has gore toned down or removed.
- Call of Duty games are often modified in Germany, where the USK enforces strict rules around Nazi iconography — swastikas are removed and replaced with neutral symbols to comply with German law.
These differences aren’t just academic — they’re in the gameplay and visuals, too. Buying the wrong regional version might mean:
- You’re getting a censored experience.
- Certain content like blood, costumes, or cutscenes are removed.
- The game has no English language support.
- It may be region locked or incompatible with your DLC.
Case Study: A Real-World Rating Region Dilemma
Consider the case of Baldur’s Gate 3, the 2024 Game of the Year. On PS5, the only complete ESRB-rated version of the game on disc was included in the North American Collector’s Edition. It was highly sought-after and now sells for $250–$300+ on eBay.
You’ll also find cheaper options—usually the Japanese CERO Z version—but here’s where the trouble starts:
- Censorship: The CERO version is toned down compared to ESRB and PEGI versions.
- Multiplayer Limitation: If you’re playing with others, everyone must use the same regional version of the game. CERO and ESRB editions are not cross-compatible.
This is a perfect example of why global gamers need to pay attention—not just to price and packaging, but also to rating region and technical compatibility.
Great Games with Notable Regional Differences
- Cyberpunk 2077: The Japanese release removes genital nudity and tones down violent gore, while the Western version remains uncensored.
- Danganronpa V3: The CERO-rated version alters blood color and removes violent death animations to meet Japanese content guidelines.
- Mortal Kombat 11: Some European versions featured minor censorship; meanwhile, it was outright banned in Indonesia and not released in Japan until heavily altered.
- Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus: In Germany, Nazi imagery and references to Hitler are completely removed or altered — including removing his mustache and renaming the regime.
Tips for Importing Games Safely
If you’re planning to buy games internationally (and you should — the box art and packaging alone are collector-worthy!), keep these tips in mind:
✅ Do:
- Check the region’s rating symbol to understand the game’s age and content classification.
- Look up gameplay differences on comparison sites or YouTube.
- Use reputable retailers like PlayAsia, Amazon JP, or VideoGamesPlus.ca.
- Confirm language support, especially voiceovers and subtitles.
- Buy physical versions when possible — they’re more collectible and may bypass region restrictions.
❌ Avoid:
- Assuming that a cheaper import is exactly the same game.
- Buying from sketchy third-party marketplaces without return policies.
- Ignoring DLC compatibility — some digital content is region locked and won’t work across versions.
Final Thoughts: Knowledge Is Power (and Fun)
Understanding international game rating systems isn’t just about avoiding offensive content — it’s about maximizing your enjoyment, protecting younger gamers, and appreciating how different cultures view interactive media.
If you’re an enthusiast or collector, these nuances add depth to your collection. And if you’re a parent or concerned player, they empower you to make informed decisions.
So next time you see those cryptic symbols on a box from Germany, Japan, or Australia — take a moment to appreciate what they represent. And if you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and grab that Japanese import from PlayAsia… just maybe double-check if it’s the Z version.
Complete Ratings Reference Guide
| Region | Symbol | Description | Interpretation | Switch Games | PS5 Games | Xbox Games | PC Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESRB |  | Early Childhood | Content intended for young children with no inappropriate material. | Busy ShapesSmart Girl’s Playhouse MiniMy First Songs | N/A | N/A | ABCmouseEndless AlphabetDr. Panda |
| ESRB |  | Everyone | Suitable for all ages. May contain minimal cartoon violence or mild language. | Mario Kart 8 DeluxeAnimal Crossing: New HorizonsSuper Mario Odyssey | Astro’s PlayroomGran Turismo 7FIFA 23 | Forza Horizon 5GroundedLEGO Star Wars: Skywalker Saga | MinecraftTerrariaStardew Valley |
| ESRB |  | Everyone 10+ | Content generally suitable for ages 10 and up. May contain more cartoon violence and/or fantasy violence. | Pokémon Scarlet and VioletLuigi’s Mansion 3Splatoon 3 | Sackboy: A Big AdventureHot Wheels UnleashedRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart | Minecraft DungeonsSonic FrontiersZoo Tycoon | Rocket LeagueLEGO WorldsSlime Rancher |
| ESRB |  | Teen | Content suitable for ages 13 and older. May contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling. | Zelda: Tears of the KingdomFire Emblem EngageXenoblade Chronicles 3 | Hogwarts LegacyFinal Fantasy XVISpider-Man: Miles Morales | Halo InfiniteJedi: SurvivorFlight Simulator | The Sims 4Genshin ImpactLife is Strange |
| ESRB |  | Mature 17+ | Content suitable for persons ages 17 and up. May contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and/or strong language. | Doom EternalBayonetta 3The Witcher 3 | The Last of Us Part ICall of Duty: Modern Warfare IIResident Evil 4 | Red Dead Redemption 2Cyberpunk 2077Gears 5 | Cyberpunk 2077GTA VDead Space |
| ESRB |  | Adults Only 18+ | Content suitable only for adults ages 18 and up. May include prolonged scenes of intense violence, graphic sexual content and/or gambling with real currency. | Not available on Switch | Not available on PS5 | Not available on Xbox | HatredLeisure Suit Larry (uncensored)Manhunt 2 (modded) |
| PEGI |  | PEGI 3 | Suitable for all age groups. No sounds or pictures likely to frighten young children. | Super Mario OdysseyKirby and the Forgotten LandMario Kart 8 Deluxe | Astro’s PlayroomSackboy: A Big AdventureOvercooked! All You Can Eat | Forza Horizon 4Disney Dreamlight ValleyBanjo-Kazooie | LEGO Builder’s JourneySlime RancherZoo Tycoon |
| PEGI |  | PEGI 7 | Some scenes or sounds may be frightening to young children. Contains very mild forms of violence. | Captain Toad: Treasure TrackerNew Super Mario Bros. U DeluxePokémon Let’s Go Pikachu | BugsnaxLEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker SagaKnack | Banjo-TooieYooka-LayleeDisney Infinity 3.0 | FezSlime Rancher 2Grow Home |
| PEGI |  | PEGI 12 | May include slightly more graphic violence or sexual innuendo. Mild bad language allowed. | Luigi’s Mansion 3Rocket LeagueMetroid Dread | Ratchet & Clank: Rift ApartHogwarts LegacyHot Wheels Unleashed | Psychonauts 2Immortals Fenyx RisingOri and the Will of the Wisps | CelestePortal 2Trine 4 |
| PEGI |  | PEGI 16 | Content suitable for 16 years and older. Realistic-looking violence and sexual activity may be present. | HadesSkyrimDark Souls Remastered | ReturnalFinal Fantasy XVIGhostwire: Tokyo | ControlOuter WorldsA Plague Tale: Requiem | SubnauticaHellblade: Senua’s SacrificeResident Evil Village |
| PEGI |  | PEGI 18 | Contains explicit violence, strong language, sexual content, and gambling references. Strictly for adults. | Bayonetta 3Doom EternalNo More Heroes III | Resident Evil 4The Last of Us Part ICall of Duty: Modern Warfare II | Red Dead Redemption 2Cyberpunk 2077Atomic Heart | Cyberpunk 2077Dead SpaceGrand Theft Auto V |
| CERO |  | CERO A | Suitable for all ages. No sexual content or violence beyond cartoon-style action. | Animal Crossing: New HorizonsSuper Mario OdysseyKirby Star Allies | Astro’s PlayroomSackboy: A Big AdventureGran Turismo 7 | Banjo-KazooieForza Horizon 5Zoo Tycoon | LEGO Builder’s JourneySlime RancherFez |
| CERO |  | CERO B | Suitable for ages 12 and up. May include mild violence or suggestive themes. | Splatoon 3Pokémon Scarlet and VioletMetroid Dread | Hogwarts LegacySpider-Man: Miles MoralesRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart | Ori and the Will of the WispsPsychonauts 2Minecraft Dungeons | Rocket LeagueTrine 4Portal 2 |
| CERO |  | CERO C | Suitable for ages 15 and up. More realistic violence and thematic complexity. | Xenoblade Chronicles 3Fire Emblem: Three HousesMonster Hunter Rise | Final Fantasy XVIReturnalGhostwire: Tokyo | ControlOuter WorldsA Plague Tale: Requiem | SubnauticaHellblade: Senua’s SacrificeResident Evil Village |
| CERO |  | CERO D | Suitable for ages 17 and up. May contain intense violence or more mature content. | Bayonetta 3No More Heroes IIIShin Megami Tensei V | Resident Evil 4The Last of Us Part ICall of Duty: MW II | Red Dead Redemption 2Cyberpunk 2077Atomic Heart | GTA VDead SpaceCyberpunk 2077 |
| CERO |  | CERO Z | Adults only (18+). Often includes intense violence, gore, and mature themes. Strict distribution limits. | DOOM Eternal (import)Resident Evil RevelationsThe House of the Dead: Remake | The Last of Us Part IICyberpunk 2077Resident Evil Village (JP version) | Call of Duty Series (JP versions)Mortal Kombat 11 (import)Gears 5 (JP) | Outlast 2HatredPostal 4 |
| USK |  | USK 0 | Suitable for all ages. No violent or frightening content. | Animal Crossing: New HorizonsMario Kart 8 DeluxeYoshi’s Crafted World | Astro’s PlayroomOvercooked! All You Can EatGran Turismo 7 | Forza Horizon 5Zoo TycoonDisney Dreamlight Valley | LEGO Builder’s JourneySlime RancherZoo Tycoon |
| USK |  | USK 6 | May contain mild cartoon violence or comical danger. | Captain Toad: Treasure TrackerPokémon Let’s Go PikachuLuigi’s Mansion 3 | LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker SagaBugsnaxKnack | Yooka-LayleeBanjo-KazooieDisney Infinity | Grow HomeSlime Rancher 2Fez |
| USK |  | USK 12 | May include moderate violence or suspenseful content. | Pokémon Scarlet and VioletSplatoon 3Metroid Dread | Hogwarts LegacyHot Wheels UnleashedRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart | Psychonauts 2Minecraft DungeonsImmortals Fenyx Rising | Portal 2Trine 4Celeste |
| USK |  | USK 16 | May contain realistic violence or shocking themes. | Monster Hunter RiseDark Souls RemasteredXenoblade Chronicles 3 | Final Fantasy XVIReturnalGhostwire: Tokyo | ControlOuter WorldsA Plague Tale: Requiem | Resident Evil VillageHellblade: Senua’s SacrificeSubnautica |
| USK |  | USK 18 | Contains graphic violence or adult themes. Only suitable for adults. | Bayonetta 3DOOM EternalNo More Heroes III | Resident Evil 4Cyberpunk 2077The Last of Us Part I | Gears 5Red Dead Redemption 2Atomic Heart | Grand Theft Auto VDead SpaceCyberpunk 2077 |
| ACB |  | ACB G | General. Suitable for everyone. Content is very mild in impact. | Mario Kart 8 DeluxeSuper Mario OdysseyYoshi’s Crafted World | Astro’s PlayroomOvercooked! All You Can EatTchia | Forza Horizon 4Banjo-KazooieZoo Tycoon | Slime RancherLEGO Builder’s JourneyZoo Tycoon |
| ACB |  | ACB PG | Parental Guidance recommended. Mild impact content. | Captain Toad: Treasure TrackerNew Super Mario Bros. U DeluxeKirby Star Allies | LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker SagaBugsnaxLittleBigPlanet 3 | Yooka-LayleeBanjo-TooieDisney Infinity 3.0 | FezGrow HomeLEGO Worlds |
| ACB |  | ACB M | Mature. Recommended for mature audiences. Moderate impact content. | Splatoon 3Pokémon ScarletMetroid Dread | Hogwarts LegacyRatchet & ClankHot Wheels Unleashed | Psychonauts 2Minecraft DungeonsImmortals Fenyx Rising | Portal 2CelesteTrine 4 |
| ACB |  | ACB MA15+ | Mature Accompanied. Restricted to persons 15 and over. Strong impact content. | Xenoblade Chronicles 3Dark Souls RemasteredMonster Hunter Rise | Final Fantasy XVIReturnalGhostwire: Tokyo | ControlOuter WorldsA Plague Tale: Requiem | Resident Evil VillageHellblade: Senua’s SacrificeSubnautica |
| ACB |  | ACB R18+ | Restricted. High impact content. Legal access only for adults 18 and over. | Bayonetta 3DOOM EternalNo More Heroes III | Resident Evil 4Cyberpunk 2077The Last of Us Part I | Gears 5Red Dead Redemption 2Atomic Heart | Grand Theft Auto VDead SpaceCyberpunk 2077 |
| GRAC |  | GRAC All | Approved for all ages. No violence, sexual content, or strong language. | Mario Kart 8 DeluxeAnimal CrossingSuper Mario 3D World | Astro’s PlayroomSackboy: A Big AdventureOvercooked! All You Can Eat | Banjo-KazooieDisney Dreamlight ValleyZoo Tycoon | LEGO Builder’s JourneySlime RancherFez |
| GRAC |  | GRAC 12 | Content suitable for players aged 12 and older. May include mild violence and suggestive themes. | Splatoon 3Pokémon ScarletMetroid Dread | Hogwarts LegacyRatchet & Clank: Rift ApartHot Wheels Unleashed | Psychonauts 2Minecraft DungeonsImmortals Fenyx Rising | Portal 2Trine 4Celeste |
| GRAC |  | GRAC 15 | Intended for players 15 and older. May include stronger violence, mild sexual references, or horror themes. | Xenoblade Chronicles 3Fire Emblem: Three HousesMonster Hunter Rise | Final Fantasy XVIReturnalGhostwire: Tokyo | ControlOuter WorldsA Plague Tale: Requiem | Resident Evil VillageHellblade: Senua’s SacrificeSubnautica |
| GRAC |  | GRAC 18 | Restricted to adults. Contains extreme violence, gore, or explicit content. Strictly for ages 18 and over. | Bayonetta 3DOOM EternalNo More Heroes III | Resident Evil 4Cyberpunk 2077The Last of Us Part I | Gears 5Red Dead Redemption 2Atomic Heart | Grand Theft Auto VDead SpaceCyberpunk 2077 |
