ESRB?

[Instar]

I was just wondering... how come Shrapnel Games are not ESRB rated? I know Shrapnel Games do not involve much in the way of nudity or gore (*sigh* J/K http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif ) but wouldn't it help out?
Or does ESRB snub indie publishers?

[Richard]

The ESRB is a pay service, and a hefty pay service at that. We didn't get rated because we didn't see the need to for the cost involved.

[Instar]

That sure is nice of them. Figures!

[Fyron]

If only more companies would forgo those ridiculous ESRB Ratings... *sigh*

[Psitticine]

Rating systems have always been a thorn in my side. Who has the right to tell me what is offensive, adult, or what-have-you and what isn't?

At least they break it down by Category, which is infinitely better then a flat "R" or something, but it still irks me. My idea of "offensive content" isn't going to agree with anybody else's, and if they want to share their views, a little square on a box isn't going to tell me enough to be of use.

I didn't know they're a pay service. If they are making a profit on all that, they should at least have detailed reviews available to fully explain why they rate things the way they do.

A rating system is better then nothing I suppose, but I still vote for the good old "just pay attention to what your kids are doing/don't pass the buck" system.

Oh, well. Time to jump off the soapbox . . .