How aware is the public?

[Beacon]

The big question I have is, how well known is the ESRB system? According to the politicians, it's inadequate, but these are the same politicians who insist that violent video games are bad for you without any real proof. I believe the ESRB's study said around 80% were aware of the system and a slightly lower number found it helpful. But, to be honest, the ESRB isn't impartial in this, and while I'm willing to believe their report is mostly accurate, there might be some tweaking involved.
What I'm proposing is this: Next time your at Walmart, or EB, or whatever, and you see a parent making a purchase, talk to them. Ask them about the ESRB and find out how much they know.
Message me what you find out, and I'll try to get some kind of report on our group findings. I have no experience with statistics or anything, though, so if someone's interested in helping out, let me know.
Anyway, if people are important, here's the information I think will be useful:
* What was the store?
* How old were the parent(s)?
* Were their children with them?
* How old were their children?
* Did they seem knowledgable about what games their children played?
* Did they know about the ESRB system?
* Do they find the ESRB system useful?

I'll add more if I think of any. Obviously, you're probably not going to be able to get all this information in a brief conversation, but the more information the more useful this will be.
I don't know how much people care, or what kind of response I'll get with this. If enough people get involved, though, it'll be interesting to see what we can learn.

Thoughts? Comments?

[Jabrwock]

An excellent idea.

As "right wing" as some call them, this might be a good idea for NIMF to run as well. They already have a "how well is ESRB info posted" section in their yearly survey, but I don't think they've ever actually surveyed parents to see how well THEY understand it.

[Thefremen]

An excellent idea.

As "right wing" as some call them, this might be a good idea for NIMF to run as well. They already have a "how well is ESRB info posted" section in their yearly survey, but I don't think they've ever actually surveyed parents to see how well THEY understand it.

They're probably afraid they won't be able to skew the results enough to fit with their hype and then it would just be a waste of time. As it is, it works for them to be able to make unfounded allegations with regards to the ESRB ratings being confusing.

Actually, I take it back, they could probably just interview people from Alabama & West Virginia and get the results they want.

[ZippyDSMlee]

TO me the ESRB ratings are about 80% from perfect anther 5-10% could be done anything more than that and you would need a whack a mole to pop out with a 2 ton mallet and whack stupid parents saying no no stupid parent no touchy for you!

But seriously what more can be done wrap the package in a black label and have all the descriptors on the front and the back giving you full descriptions of the Offending Offenses in it? 0_o


Give me a break people can seem to understand the moves rating setup and the ESRB is going OUT OF THEIR WAY to add more info on the package...

what more do you need

EARLY CHILDHOOD (G)
Titles rated EC (Early Childhood) have content that may be suitable for ages 3 and older. Contains no material that parents would find inappropriate.

EVERYONE (G-PG)
Titles rated E (Everyone) have content that may be suitable for ages 6 and older. Titles in this category may contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language.

EVERYONE 10+ (PG)
Titles rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) have content that may be suitable for ages 10 and older. Titles in this category may contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language and/or minimal suggestive themes.

TEEN (PG13)
Titles rated T (Teen) have content that may be suitable for ages 13 and older. Titles in this category may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language.

MATURE (PG13-R)
Titles rated M (Mature) have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language.

ADULTS ONLY (R-NC17)
Titles rated AO (Adults Only) have content that should only be played by persons 18 years and older. Titles in this category may include prolonged scenes of intense violence and/or graphic sexual content and nudity.

RATING PENDING (for courts to decide)
Titles listed as RP (Rating Pending) have been submitted to the ESRB and are awaiting final rating. (This symbol appears only in advertising prior to a game's release.)


now that I think about it they could be clearer on G and PG content.
Lets take Zelda for example it screams PG to me.

FF6 on the GBA/DS gets a Everyone 10+ interesting I recall 2 pregnancies alot of death a nutjob that killed off acouple villages and who destroyed the world,and 1 vague torture scene sure its all animated sprites....