What is God of War Rated?
God of War is an action-adventure game developed by Sony Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is the eighth installment in the God of War series and was released in 2018 for the PlayStation 4 console.
What is the Maturity Rating of God of War?
God of War has been rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in the United States. This rating indicates that the game contains mature themes, violence, blood, and strong language, making it unsuitable for players under the age of 17.
Reasons for the M Rating
The game’s developer, Sony Santa Monica Studio, worked closely with the ESRB to ensure that the game’s content was accurately represented. The game’s M rating is due to several factors, including:
- Violence and Gore: God of War features intense combat and gore, with characters dismembering and decapitating each other. Combat scenes are often bloody and gory, with severed limbs and organs scattered throughout the environment.
- Strong Language: The game includes frequent and intense profanity, with characters using strong language to express anger, frustration, or excitement.
- Mature Themes: God of War explores mature themes such as loss, grief, and the struggle to balance personal and family relationships. These themes are conveyed through the game’s storyline and character development.
ESRB Content Descriptors
The ESRB provides additional information about the game’s content, including:
- Blood and Gore: The game includes blood and gore throughout the combat scenes and in some environmental objects.
- Intense Violence: The game features intense and violent combat, with characters dismembering and killing each other.
- Strong Language: The game includes frequent and intense profanity.
- Sexual Themes: The game features some sexual themes, including breast covering and suggestive conversations.
Australian and European Ratings
In Australia, God of War is rated R18+ by the Australian Classification Board, while in Europe, it is rated 18+ by the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) organization. These ratings reflect the game’s content, including violence, blood, and strong language.
Table: Comparison of ESRB, R18+, and PEGI Ratings
| ESRB Rating | Australian Rating | European Rating |
|---|---|---|
| M for Mature | R18+ | 18+ |
| Violence and Gore | Violence and Blood | Violent or Cruel Behaviour |
| Strong Language | Coarse Language | Sexual Violence |
Conclusion
God of War is rated M for Mature by the ESRB due to its violence, gore, strong language, and mature themes. The game’s developer, Sony Santa Monica Studio, worked closely with the ESRB to ensure that the game’s content was accurately represented. While the game may not be suitable for all players, it has received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling, character development, and combat mechanics.
