ESRB: Optional DLC can have different rating

by Justin McElroy { Apr 22nd 2008 at 12:00PM }

Last week we thought we had a better understanding of the ESRB's policy on DLC, namely that it has to stay within the game's rating or the title can be entirely re-rated. But ESRB president Patricia Vance has clarified the statement with MTV, saying that policy only applies if the content is part of a mandatory update. If it's optional, then just the content itself will have to carry a different rating.

This would seem to open the door for AO DLC, but it may be a moot point. At least one of the big three publishers (Microsoft) has already said it wouldn't allow that on its console. So those of you planning on buying the GTA IV DLC in the hopes of seeing some hardcore polygon on polygon action are just going to have to hold on to your ... points.

Tags: dlc, esrb, gtaiv

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Demaar @ Apr 22nd 2008 12:04PM

So I guess folks buying the Aussie version of GTA4 can hold out hope, maybe?

syrik zero @ Apr 22nd 2008 12:10PM

I was just hoping for some unedited DLC for Rock Band...

Hashbrown Hunter @ Apr 22nd 2008 5:16PM

Uncensored and Hardcore Version of "Still Alive" FTW

Demaar @ Apr 22nd 2008 8:41PM

Oh wait, I'm an idiot. ESRB has no control in Australia....

caustic @ Apr 22nd 2008 1:16PM

why is nudity and sex the bellwether for AO? boobs and screwing are kind of old news. gaming is the cutting edge entertainment medium, how about pushing the boundaries a bit.

i suggest a mini game where you club baby seals to death the severed arms of war orphans.

Kapitan Kramer @ Apr 22nd 2008 1:49PM

hahaha, by points do you mean penis?

oh wait...

jeremiads @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:01PM

Some of Rock Band's DLC is rated M while the game itself is rated T. I'm not sure why this story ever gained traction.

smackphat @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:09PM

Are there any Rock Band songs with cursing? I've downloaded nearly everything, but I've never noticed a curse word, nor have I noticed an ESRB rating on the DLC for it.

Youthinized @ Apr 22nd 2008 5:16PM

Shockwave has a couple fucks in it that they edited out.

Burritoclock @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:15PM

Yes, I too was hoping for unedited Rock band tracks, however this doesnt rule that out, it just means no unedited "Fucked with a knife" or brother lynch hung.

But a few fucks should be ok.

james f. @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:37PM

To me this seems like it would have the opposite effect of making M rated games AO. Instead launching games as T rated with the ability to M rate at home via DLC. Perhaps even for free. Shuffling the moral fallout onto age restricted accounts. It would be both logical and profitable to create "M-able" T rated games especially as gameratings enter the zeitgeist.

Matt B @ Apr 22nd 2008 3:43PM

I prefer my AO entertainment IRL.

colin @ Apr 22nd 2008 5:30PM

as do i, my friend, as do i.

Tim The Enchanter @ Apr 22nd 2008 4:26PM

That's umpossible.

Schmobu @ Apr 22nd 2008 5:17PM

Wasn't the nudity in oblivion a mod that required DLC or for someone to hack the game, thus it should not have been rerated. Fucking ESRB you really do suck, but then again all m16 games in NZ are magically changed to an R18, which is strange cause Saints row is like an M16 at most, but I had to produce ID just to get, it it aint shit when it comes to violence. and I knew how to swear when I was like 4.