Raising ESRB ratings explained: E, E10+, T, M, and AO
ESRB ratings are the age ratings for video games in North America. According to the ESRB, E (Everyone) is generally suitable for all ages, E10+ for ages 10 and up, T (Teen) for 13 and up, M (Mature) for 17 and up, and AO (Adults Only) for 18 and up. Separate "interactive elements" note in-game purchases, random paid items, and chat with other players; they don't change the rating.
ESRB ratings at a glance
| E (Everyone) | "Content is generally suitable for all ages" source |
|---|---|
| E10+ (Everyone 10+) | "Content is generally suitable for ages 10 and up" |
| T (Teen) | "Content is generally suitable for ages 13 and up" |
| M (Mature 17+) | "Content is generally suitable for ages 17 and up" |
| AO (Adults Only 18+) | "Content suitable only for adults ages 18 and up" |
| Rated by | The Entertainment Software Rating Board, the game industry's nonprofit, self-regulatory body |
Checked October 2026. Official wording from the rating board; rules can differ by country.
What do the ESRB ratings mean?
Short answer: They're age guidance for video games, from E for everyone to AO for adults only.
- E (Everyone): generally suitable for all ages; may include minimal cartoon, fantasy, or mild violence.
- E10+ (Everyone 10+): generally suitable for ages 10 and up; more cartoon or fantasy violence, mild language.
- T (Teen): generally suitable for ages 13 and up; may include violence, suggestive themes, crude humor.
- M (Mature 17+): generally suitable for 17 and up; may include intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, strong language.
- AO (Adults Only 18+): only for adults; may include prolonged scenes of intense violence, graphic sexual content, or gambling with real money.
- RP (Rating Pending): used in ads before a game is rated.
Content descriptors and interactive elements
Next to the letter, the ESRB lists content descriptors, such as Fantasy Violence or Mild Blood, that explain the rating. It also lists interactive elements, which, according to the ESRB, "do not influence the rating assignment":
- In-Game Purchases: offers to buy digital items with real money.
- In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items): players don't know what they'll get before paying, as with loot boxes.
- Users Interact: possible exposure to unfiltered content from other players.
- Shares Location and Unrestricted Internet.
For online games, these boxes matter: a game rated E can still have chat with strangers.
How games get rated
For physical games, at least three trained ESRB raters review a video of the game's most extreme content, according to the ESRB. Digital games and apps are rated through IARC, a questionnaire system used by online storefronts. The ESRB can fine publishers of physical games, up to $1 million, for not fully disclosing content.
ESRB vs. PEGI
Europe uses PEGI instead: 3, 7, 12, 16, and 18, in 38 countries. The same game can get different ratings: Minecraft is E10+ from the ESRB and 7 from PEGI; Fortnite is T and 12.
Games in our parent guides
Minecraft
Minecraft age rating explained for parents of 4- to 7-year-olds: ratings by country, online play and chat, purchases, child-account defaults, and the movie.
Roblox
Is Roblox safe for kids? The facts for parents of 4- to 7-year-olds: the ESRB rating, the risks, state lawsuits, Roblox Kids accounts, and what research says.
Fortnite
Fortnite age rating explained for parents of kids 4–7: ratings by country, the FTC settlement, limited accounts for under-13s, and parental controls.
Among Us
Among Us age rating explained for parents of 4- to 7-year-olds: ratings by country, preset-phrase chat for under-13s, the parent portal, and why kids say "sus."
Gorilla Tag
Is Gorilla Tag safe for kids? The VR game explained for parents: its E rating, headset age limits, voice chat with strangers, purchases, and controls.
Poppy Playtime
Poppy Playtime age rating explained: T for Teen in the US, 12 to 16 in Europe. What's in the horror game, Huggy Wuggy warnings, and why young kids know it.
FAQ
What does E10+ mean?
Everyone 10+: content generally suitable for ages 10 and up.
What does rated T mean?
Teen: content generally suitable for ages 13 and up.
What does rated M mean?
Mature 17+: content generally suitable for ages 17 and up.
Do ESRB ratings cover online chat?
No. The ESRB says interactive elements such as Users Interact don't affect the rating; they're listed separately.
More age ratings explained
PG
Parental guidance suggested: what PG means, and why a PG movie can still be scary.
Rated R
Under 17 requires a parent or adult guardian. What that means and how theaters enforce it.
TV-14
Parents strongly cautioned: what TV-14 means and the letters that come with it.
Raising Stoics is a 12-week program for ages 5–6, built on Stoic philosophy and developmental psychology.