Game age ratings explained
The number on a game box looks simple, but board games and video games use it in completely different ways. Here's what each one is actually telling you.
Board and card games: "Ages 8+"
The age on a board game box is set by the publisher. It's mostly about how hard the game is, not whether the content is appropriate. "8+" usually means an average eight-year-old can understand the rules and make real decisions without an adult playing for them.
A few things to know:
- "3+" is often a safety warning, not a skill rating. In many countries, games with small parts must be labelled as unsuitable for children under three.
- Experienced kids can play younger. A seven-year-old who plays games every week can often handle an 8+ or even 10+ game, especially on a team with an adult.
- Reading matters. Games with lots of text on cards are harder for early readers than the box suggests. Games with icons are easier.
- Higher numbers sometimes mean content. Party games rated 14+ or 17+ may be about humour or themes, not difficulty.
Video games in North America: ESRB
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates video games sold in the US and Canada. Unlike board game ages, ESRB ratings are about content: violence, language, scary scenes and so on.
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| E (Everyone) | Suitable for all ages. May include mild cartoon or fantasy violence. |
| E10+ | Ages 10 and up. More cartoon or fantasy violence, mild language, or mildly suggestive themes. |
| T (Teen) | Ages 13 and up. Violence, some blood, crude humour or stronger language. |
| M (Mature) | Ages 17 and up. Intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content or strong language. |
| AO (Adults Only) | 18 and up. Rare; most stores and consoles don't carry them. |
Each rating comes with content descriptors such as "Fantasy Violence" or "Mild Language". These are often more useful than the letter itself, so check them on the back of the box or on the ESRB website.
Look out for the interactive elements notice too: "In-Game Purchases" means the game sells extras with real money, and "Users Interact" means players can chat with strangers online.
Video games in Europe: PEGI
Most of Europe uses PEGI, which shows a plain age number: 3, 7, 12, 16 or 18, plus icons for content such as violence, fear or bad language. The ages roughly line up with ESRB: PEGI 3 or 7 is similar to E, PEGI 12 is between E10+ and T, and PEGI 16 is similar to T or M.
"E" doesn't mean easy
An E-rated game is fine for young children content-wise, but it might still be too hard to play. Some need a lot of reading or quick reflexes. That's why our game pages list both the ESRB rating and the age we think kids can actually enjoy it.
The best rating is you
Ratings are a good starting point, but you know your child. Watch a few minutes of gameplay online, or play the first session together. It's the quickest way to know if a game is right for your family.
Ready to find something? Try the game picker.