ESRB launches free rating system for downloadable titles

The Entertainment Software Ratings Board has introduced its no-cost Digital Rating Service.

Downloadable games can now receive a free assessment via a questionnaire and receive an official rating from the ESRB.

The system (originally revealed back in early 2011) would appear to assist smaller studios by providing a rating parents/guardians look for regularly at retail, bringing guidance to a large portion of the market that at the moment is practically devoid of ESRB’s presence.

"By simplifying the process and eliminating the cost to developers, the ESRB expects to broaden adoption of its ratings among game providers of all types," an ESRB rep stated. "The resulting ubiquity of ESRB ratings will ease a parent’s job by presenting a single ratings standard across the many platforms on which their children access games. Increased adoption of ESRB ratings also means that developers will no longer be subject to differing and oftentimes conflicting rating systems and standards for their digitally delivered games."