Rating VR games has been a topic swirling around the virtual reality community for quite some time. Games on Steam don’t require official rating designations, neither do games on the Oculus store, and since no VR games have received physical, box, retail distribution copies yet, the topic hasn’t been resolved.
Back in June, we reported that ABE VR, the slightly-interactive, short thriller experience, received an age rating of 15 from the British Board of Classification (BBFC,) which is their second-highest rating category. Then earlier this month, Australia’s Classification Board rated Batman: Arkham VR not only with an ‘M’ for mature rating, but also adding ‘VR interactivity’ as one of the designations in the rating process. That inclusion implies a shift, denoting the fact that added interactivity and immersion enhances and magnifies the already realistic and violent content of a game like Batman: Arkham VR.
Today, we noticed that PlayStation VR Worlds, an upcoming launch title for the PS VR headset that’s intended as an introductory collection of five short experiences, officially received its rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB.) PS VR Worlds is rated ‘M’ for mature for “Blood, Strong Language, Use of Tobacco, Violence.”
Interestingly, the ESRB appears to be ignoring, or rather not attributing any significance to, the game’s exclusive VR focus. The Rating Summary information elaborates on the reasoning with examples pulled almost entirely from The London Heist, implying that game is likely the culprit for receiving such a high age rating.
When we reached out to an ESRB representative about their rating process, and whether or not VR games would be attributed any special significance at all, they informed us that the current rating process was sufficient in their eyes to encompass VR games:
“At this point in time, we believe that the current ESRB rating process effectively assigns age and content rating information for VR games, taking into account the content of a game and the context in which it is presented, including player perspective.
ESRB ratings are designed to give parents the tools they need to help make informed decisions about which games are appropriate for their family. We’ll continue to monitor the evolution of VR games and will make modifications to the rating system if and when warranted.”
Since PlayStation VR Worlds is being marketed as a key introductory experience to VR for consumers, much like Wii Sports was for the Nintendo Wii’s motion controllers, the high age rating comes as a bit of a surprise. Sony is selling bundles with the PS VR that include the game, which may be cause for concern for some parents and younger gamers.
