FTC: ESRB Has Most Effective Ratings Enforcement

According a 2013 study the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found that ESRB has the highest in-store ratings enforcement among all entertainment industries (film, home video, music).

The FTC confirmed this in its mystery shopper audit. The audit details that 87% of individuals under 17-years-old were denied when trying to purchase Mature-rated games.

That’s in no small part thanks to the hard work of the ESRB Retail Council (ERC). The ERC works with ESRB to enforce store policies to not sell M-rated games to kids a parent. We also conduct mystery shopper audits twice a year to make sure our work with ERC members continues to keep ratings enforcement high and helps parents make informed choices about which video games are appropriate for their kids.

Want to learn more about ESRB ratings? Visit our Ratings Guide, download our free rating search app, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or Contact Us with more specific questions!