Due to the never ending violence in videogames debate, the ESRB are constantly under fire for the way games ratings are handled. Parents and critics have recently been asking for justification on why games receive the ratings they do, so the ESRB have responded. After July 1st, supplemental summaries will be made available for all games via their website.

In theory, this is a great idea. Worried parents now have a reliable source where they ascertain exactly what a game entails. However, should anybody read these summaries who actually intends to play the game, they could be in for a nasty surprise. The summaries plan on detailing everything about a game, right down to the narrative and plot twists.

Games such as Resistance 2 and Fallout 3 have had minor plot details revealed through these descriptions, and although are not massive events in the story, are still something players would prefer to find out through the game itself.

The summaries are intended to “explain in objective terms the context and relevant content that factored into a game’s ESRB rating assignment”. Fine. But if this is done at the expense of ruining the experience for the player, then the system needs a rethink. Surely a summary can be detailed enough to cover a games content without including plot details?

So, good idea or bad idea? Does the ESRB have the right to include such spoilers considering that it’s for the ‘greater good’? Or is it a step too far? Answers on a postcard to the usual address. (Or alternatively, just use the comment button)

Source: Gamespot

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