Post: ESRB Says it Was Oblivious to Blood and Gore
in 'Oblivion' Video Game
ESRB Says it Was Oblivious to Blood and Gore
in 'Oblivion' Video Game
Remember that study released last month that found video game rating labels often failed to disclose violent content?
It looks like the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, the video game industry's ratings body, may have taken its findings to heart...
The ESRB annnounced yesterday that it would change the rating on the recently released game The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion from "T" (for Teen) to "M" (for Mature).
From a story in today's Washington Post:
"The [ESRB] announced ... that it had discovered 'more detailed and intense depictions of blood and gore' than it saw in its pre-release review.
The board also objected to a software modification that was circulating among gamers on the Internet that allowed players to create topless versions of female characters in the game."
Check out the full article here.
There are 4 replies to this post
Date: May 4, 2006
I love the Elder Scrolls games.
I really don't see a need to change it's rating. Someone is just trying to make an example.
Oh well, as long as they don't try to alter the game itself.
Date: May 4, 2006
This is a classic example of making a situation, how can I say this, overblown. If you read the developer's response, which I have linked below, you'll agree.
Jim, did you apologize to the video game industry about your overgeneralization of women video game characters and censure Jack Thompson yet? I'm not going to stop mentioning that until you do.
Link: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6148925.html
Date: May 4, 2006
Of course Leland Yee immediately lashed out at Take 2 even though they barely had anything to do with the scenes, and Bethesda has taken full responsibility.
This is rather unnecessary. I've never heard of the MPAA re-rating a movie months after it has come out on video.
Date: August 11, 2006
I think it was pointless to change the rating of Oblivion on the 360-- there isn't any nudity in that version, and I've played through the whole game. However, there WERE some graphic images to be found, especially at the end of the Dark Brotherhood questline which took a dark turn. I know the last thing we need right now is more ratings to keep up with, but games would benefit from something like a T-15 rating; for games like Call of Duty 2, Oblivion, and Ninety-Nine Nights.