Did you know the ESRB can reclassify games after they’re released?

This article is over 9 years old and may contain outdated information

I didn’t

Recommended Videos

The rating that the ESRB gives a game prior to release isn’t the one that it’ll necessarily have forever. No Goblin found this out recently when Roundabout was reclassified from Teen to Mature.

As No Goblin detailed on the game’s site, the bump in rating came from the “volume of blood” found in Roundabout. The developer cheekily noted that it is obviously a more violent title than Dark Souls II, which has a Teen rating. However, No Goblin also noted that the ESRB tagged the game with a “use of drugs” descriptor. While the intention is there, the developer justifies it saying there’s a series of jokes leading up to the protagonist obviously consuming candy dots.

It’s not unprecedented for the ESRB to change a game’s rating. Both Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion suffered the same fate when previously inaccessible content was made accessible with third-party mods. When this came to the ESRB’s attention, the organization held play sessions with the new content and adjusted the ratings. However, Roundabout is the only recent example that comes to mind that’s been reclassified based on the same content that was originally submitted.

An update about Roundabout’s ESRB rating [Roundabout via Polygon]


Destructoid is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission.Ā Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Brett Makedonski
Brett Makedonski
While you laughing, we're passing, passing away. So y'all go rest y'all souls, 'Cause I know I'ma meet you up at the crossroads. Y'all know y'all forever got love from them Bone Thugs baby...