RF Generation Message Board

Do ESRB game ratings affect the way you purchase games?

They did through high school when I couldn't buy 'M' rated games, but with limited funds and the N64 being my fancy, I managed to find more than enough to play and enjoy under that age boundry.

you know its mute point due to the fact most people on the board are over the age needed for M games. (AO isnt even an issue). unless you have kids and are allowing them to play games, i doubt when it comes to personal purchases, anyone here is really affected by the ESRB.

Don't matter to me.

Not at all.

Well as I'm 25 as of earlier this month not when buying for myself.
But I voted
Yes, but only when I buy for someone else
As I do pay attention to the rating when I get a game for my younger brothers. As one is now 15, and the other turns 15 later this year though, I think that'll change pretty soon though.

I never even look at the ratings when I'm buying.  In fact, just yesterday I was playing an M rated game with my 10 year old cousin. 

Cobra brought up a good point. If I am buying for a kid it matters.

I reflexively selected "no," but the truth is the ESRB does, or at least could, affect my purchases. Case in point: Manhunt 2. Really, any AO game would fit the bill, but nothing's coming to mind as a title I'd have any interest in besides Manhunt 2. But if the ESRB starts lowering the boom on Rockstar-style content the way they seem to be threatening, you can be sure it'll be a big influence on the way all of us buy games. Unfortunately, being old enough to buy AO games isn't necessarily the same as being able to buy AO games.

I'm 31, single, and have no kids.  I think I'm old enough to judge a game without looking at it's ESRB rating and content to know if I'm old enough for a game.

Also, I dont make it a habbit to buy games for other people.  Even family.  I used to do it for big holidays but even then I shoped more for games based on their taste then on any rating.  As they were all adults I didnt see a reason to check that information.

Sometimes, if a game is rated E or T I won't buy it.

o.0

Nope.

Even on the off chance i am buying for others.

I have been playing games rated T and M nearly as long as i have been gaming.

The only time i had an issue with purchasing something with a M rating it wasn't even a game it was a cheat disc for an M rated game and i didn't have my ID on me lol.

I have used packs of cigs or cigars when i smoked them more frequently as a proof of age on more than one occassion lol.

Not at all... ever.

I use to play SplatterHouse 2 as a kid, but that was before the whole rating thing, so I can't say anything negative about my folks on that one ;D

Nope.

I don't pay attention to the ratings at all.  I buy the game because it sounds cool or I've read reviews, seen footage, etc. and I like it.

I buy what I want for myself. But really look at the rating and content when it comes to buying for children / my son.

My son knows that he can play "E" games, but not to even ask about "M" games. Some "T" games are ok, as long as I know what the content factor is.

I never even look at the rating. If the game looks fun to me then I will buy it.

Occasionally...i.e. a gory game with a low ESRB rating = little mature content...so it does slightly affect my purchasing behavior ;)