Computer Entertainment Rating Organization
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The Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (特定非営利活動法人 コンピュータエンターテインメントレーティング機構 Tokutei Hieiri Katsudō Hōjin Konpyūta Entāteinmento Rētingu Kikō?) (CERO) is the organization that rates video games and computer software in Japan with levels of rating that informs the customer of the nature of the product and for what age group it is suitable. It was established on July 2002 as a branch of Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association, and became an officially recognized non-profit organization on 2003.
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[edit] Rating
On March 1, 2006, CERO enforced the latest revision of their ratings system. The symbols that the CERO uses are stylized depictions of letters, meant to convey at a glance, a game's suitability for minors:
- A (all ages)
- B (ages 12 and up)
- C (ages 15 and up)
- D (ages 17 and up)
- Z (ages 18 and up only)
Ratings are often printed on the packaging of video games. The Z classification is the only rating which is legally restricted.[1]
[edit] Contents descriptor icons
In April 2004, CERO defined the following "content descriptor icons". These icons are displayed on the back of all packages except on those rated "A".
- Love: Sakura Wars, Grandia 3,D.C.P.S.: Da Capo Plus Situation
- Sexual content: Super Robot Wars, The King of Fighters, Soul Calibur 3, Air, Killer 7, God of War
- Violence: Dynasty Warriors, Metal Slug, Gears of War, Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, Killer 7, God of War
- Horror: LifeSigns: Surgical Unit, Fatal Frame, xxxHolic
- Gambling: Yakuza
- Crime: Burnout, Genso Suikoden I&II
- Use of alcohol or tobacco: Canis Canem Edit (Bully)
- Use of drugs: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- Language or other: Kanon, Baroque, Tales of Innocence, Killer 7
[edit] Previous ratings
- All ages
- Ages 12 and up
- Ages 15 and up
- Ages 18 and up
The primary difference between the two rating systems was the inclusion of the "17 and older" rating.
[edit] See also
- ESRB, the United States and Canadian computer and video game rating system
- ELSPA, the former British computer and video game rating system, replaced by the PEGI system.
- PEGI, the European computer and video game rating system
- USK, the German computer and video game rating system
- EOCS, the Japanese computer and video game rating system for bishōjo games.
- OFLC, the New Zealand media rating system
- OFLC, the Australian media rating system.
- Eirin – The Japanese film rating system.
