Stellar Blade has received another "Mature" rating, this time from the ESRB rating system. Just a few days after being rated +18 by the Korean GRAC system.
Stellar Blade has recently garnered a lot of attention for its mature 18+ rating by the Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC) of South Korea.
Only a few days later, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) also announced their rating for the gaming industry and has deemed Stellar Blade is suitable for players aged 18 and above with their +17 rating, aligning with the classification standards set by GRAC.
The ESRB rating is a system used to inform consumers about the content of video games. It assigns age and content ratings, ranging from "Early Childhood" to "Adults Only," based on the game's themes, violence, language, and other factors. This helps players and parents make informed decisions about which games are appropriate for themselves or their children.
This decision raises multiple questions about the content, and themes within Stellar Blade, but ultimately also falls in line with Stellar Blade inspiration: Nier Automata. As this game also got a +17 rating by ESRB.
Stellar Blade: Reasons For The Mature Rating
The mature rating signifies that Stellar Blade contains content that may not be suitable for all audiences. It suggests that the game features intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and/or strong language. Let's take a closer look at the reasons for the rating:
- Fast-paced battles with blades, machine guns, laser blasters and realistic gunfire
- Blood-splatter effects occur frequently as enemy creatures are slashed and dismembered
- Close-up images of impalement, dismemberment and decapitation
- Female characters in revealing costumes with deep cleavage, skintight, flesh-toned bodysuits
- Breasts that jiggle during combat
- With the word "sh*t" being the only swear in the game
Stellar Blade's mature rating underscores the game's commitment to delivering a gritty and authentic experience. However, it's essential to recognize that a mature rating doesn't inherently detract from the quality or value of a game. Instead, it serves as a tool for informing players about the content and themes they can expect.
It's yet to be seen which impact the game will have on the gaming industry, or if there will be an impact at all. Stellar Blade will release on April 26, 2024, for PlayStation 5.