Steer clear of any rated "M" for "mature" (for ages 17 and older) or “AO” for “adults only.” (for ages 18 and older). These can contain heavy-duty violence, strong language, and sexual content.
Maturity Level– Probably the most important factor is the overall maturity level of the kid. Some kids will go around repeating the vulgar language heard in the game and are unable to determine which parts of the game are realistic (i.e., could happen in real life) and what is completely impossible.
Titles rated M – Mature have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain mature sexual themes, more intense violence and/or strong language.
Can a 12 year old play M rated games? According to the Entertainment Software Ratings Board(ESRB), which sets the age rating ranges for games(E,T,M mainly) states that M Rated gamers should be restricted to players 17+.
A game rated "M" by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is meant only for people aged 17 and over. An "AO"-rated game is meant only for those 18 and over. The ratings have no legal bearing, but most of the video game industry--which sponsors the ESRB--abides by them.
Nintendo is known for their family friendly appearance, but they've made sure to feature mature games on each of their major consoles.
Games rated “T” are most appropriate for kids aged 13 years and older. Violence and blood are often a bit more pronounced at this rating, and some suggestive language may be used. About 23% of all video games are rated T.
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.
Films and computer games classified M (Mature) contain content of a moderate impact. M-rated films and computer games are not recommended for children under the age of 15. They include portrayals of elements such as violence and themes that require a mature outlook.
Of 1126 children who listed frequently played game titles, almost half (48.8%) played at least one violent (mature-rated) game regularly (67.9% of boys and 29.2% of girls).
On September 16, 1994, the newly formed Entertainment Software Rating Board handed out its first ratings certificates, including its first M rating for the 32X version of Doom.
Games with an M rating from ESRB will generally contain blood and gore (often realistically depicted), violence, sexual themes and/or nudity, profanity, or some combination of those. My best guess, therefore, would be that people like playing games that the Powers That Are believe are unsuitable for children under 17.
The earliest console video game to receive a “mature” rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board, was the SNES version of Doom was The Board deemed the game suitable only for those aged 17 years old or over because of the “Animated Blood and Gore and Animated Violence” in the content.
All video games are rated and labeled by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. Steer clear of any rated "M" for "mature" (for ages 17 and older) or “AO” for “adults only.” (for ages 18 and older). These can contain heavy-duty violence, strong language, and sexual content.
After the Wii lineup was dominated by family-friendly titles (along with rare exceptions like Mad World), Nintendo's then-president Satoru Iwata said in 2012 that the company felt it had neglected "those who play games as their hobby" in favor of more casual or new gamers.
A new study of US game sales has highlighted that games rated M for Mature have the highest average gross sales in the region, despite a number of major retailers refusing to stock adult-themed games.
MPAA has five rating categories
The new ratings system began with four categories: G (general audiences), M (mature audiences, changed in 1969 to PG, parental guidance suggested), R (restricted, no children under 17 allowed without parents or adult guardians), and X (no one under 17 admitted).
Rated M: Suggested for mature audiences - Parental discretion advised. Rated R: Restricted – Persons under 16 not admitted, unless accompanied by parent or adult guardian. Rated X: Persons under 16 not admitted.
Studies of children exposed to violent media have shown that they may become numb to violence, imitate the violence, and show more aggressive behavior. Younger children and those with emotional, behavioral or learning problems may be more influenced by violent images.
Put clear limits on your child's gaming.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests time allotted should be under 30 to 60 minutes per day on school days and 2 hours or less on non- school days.
Fortunately, T-rated games appear to be making a bit of a comeback. The ESA reports that 29% of all games rated by the ESRB in 2015 were rated “T”, which represents a higher percentage of games than there has been since 2005.
There is no too old to play video games. According to studies, the average age of a gamer is actually 35.
So it's no surprise many seniors who enjoy playing video games find themselves in better moods. A study of 140 seniors over 63 years old concluded that both regular and occasional video gamers reported greater well-being, social functioning, and health than non-gamers.
As long as you enjoy it and it's not taken to extremes (ie, played to the point where you're neglecting your kids) then it's fine. Heck, it could even be a good thing to bond with your children over. Keep playing (from a 35 year old gamer.) Is it lame of me to be playing video games at the age of 40?