What Is Call of Duty Ghosts Rated: A Comprehensive Guide
Call of Duty is one of the most popular gaming franchises in the world. As with any video game, Call of Duty Ghosts has a rating that determines who can play it and what content is included. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Call of Duty Ghosts rating, including what it is, what it means, and how it affects gameplay.
Section 1: Understanding Game Ratings
Before we dive into the specific rating of Call of Duty Ghosts, it’s important to understand how video game ratings work. Game ratings are set by independent organizations that evaluate the content and age-appropriateness of video games. The two most common rating systems in the US are the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and the Pan European Game Information (PEGI).
What is the ESRB Rating System?
The ESRB rating system is used in the United States and Canada. It rates video games on a letter scale: E for Everyone, E10+ for Everyone 10 and up, T for Teen, M for Mature, and AO for Adults Only. The ESRB also provides detailed descriptions of the content that led to the rating, such as violence, language, and sexual content.
What is the PEGI Rating System?
The PEGI rating system is used in Europe. It uses symbols to indicate age-appropriateness and content warnings. Symbols include 3, 7, 12, 16, and 18, along with warnings for violence, language, sex, drugs, and online content.
Section 2: What Is Call of Duty Ghosts Rated?
Now that we understand how game ratings work, we can take a closer look at Call of Duty Ghosts. The rating for this game depends on where you live and which rating system is used in your country.
ESRB Rating for Call of Duty Ghosts
In the United States, Call of Duty Ghosts is rated M for Mature. According to the ESRB, this rating is due to intense violence, blood and gore, strong language, and drug references. This means the game is intended for players aged 17 and up.
PEGI Rating for Call of Duty Ghosts
In Europe, Call of Duty Ghosts is rated 16+. This rating is due to violence, bad language, and online gameplay. The PEGI website notes that the game includes “realistic looking violence,” but does not contain “gross” violence.
Section 3: How Game Ratings Affect Gameplay
Now that we know what the Call of Duty Ghosts rating is, it’s important to consider how it affects gameplay. The rating determines who can play the game, what content is included, and how the game is marketed.
Player Age Restrictions
The most obvious way the rating affects gameplay is by setting age restrictions. Players under the age of 17 in the US cannot purchase or play Call of Duty Ghosts, while players under 16 in Europe cannot play the game.
Content Restrictions
In addition to age restrictions, game ratings also determine what content is included. For example, a game rated E for Everyone will not contain the same level of violence or mature themes as a game rated M for Mature.
Marketing Restrictions
Game ratings also affect how a game is marketed. Games rated E for Everyone can be marketed more widely, including on children’s TV channels and during family-friendly programming. Games rated M for Mature, on the other hand, must be marketed to a more specific audience and can only be advertised during more mature programming.
Section 4: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the Call of Duty Ghosts rating:
Q: Why is Call of Duty Ghosts rated M for Mature?
A: Call of Duty Ghosts is rated M for Mature due to intense violence, blood and gore, strong language, and drug references.
Q: Can players under the age of 17 play Call of Duty Ghosts?
A: No, players under the age of 17 cannot purchase or play Call of Duty Ghosts in the US.
Q: Can players under the age of 16 play Call of Duty Ghosts in Europe?
A: No, players under the age of 16 cannot play Call of Duty Ghosts in Europe.
Q: Is the rating system the same in every country?
A: No, different countries use different rating systems, and even within the same rating system, the specific rating may differ based on cultural norms and sensitivities.
Section 5: Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the rating system for video games is important for both players and parents. Call of Duty Ghosts is rated M for Mature in the US and 16+ in Europe, due to violence, language, and drug references. The rating determines who can play the game, what content is included, and how the game is marketed. By familiarizing yourself with game ratings, you can make informed decisions about which games to play and purchase.