ESRB ratings tell you who a video game is meant for and why it got that rating. Every rating has three parts: an age category, content descriptors that explain what’s in the game, and interactive elements that flag things like online chat and in-game purchases. Here’s what each rating means, plus the ratings for games kids ask about most, like Call of Duty and GTA 6.
Fast Facts About ESRB Ratings
- The main ESRB ratings are E (Everyone), E10+, T (Teen), M (Mature 17+) and AO (Adults Only 18+).[1]
- Content descriptors explain what triggered a rating or what may concern parents.[1]
- Interactive elements flag in-game purchases, loot boxes, contact with other users, location sharing and unrestricted internet.[1]
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Call of Duty: Warzone are rated M for Mature 17+.[3][4]
- Grand Theft Auto VI is rated M for Mature 17+ and comes out November 19, 2026.[5][6]
What Each ESRB Rating Means
| Rating | Generally suitable for | May contain |
|---|---|---|
| E (Everyone) | All ages | Minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and infrequent mild language |
| E10+ (Everyone 10+) | Ages 10 and up | More cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language and minimal suggestive themes |
| T (Teen) | Ages 13 and up | Violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling and infrequent strong language |
| M (Mature 17+) | Ages 17 and up | Intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and strong language |
| AO (Adults Only 18+) | Adults 18 and up only | Prolonged intense violence, graphic sexual content and gambling with real money |
| RP (Rating Pending) | Not rated yet | Appears only in ads and promotions for a game that will get a rating. “RP – Likely Mature 17+” means it’s expected to be rated M. |
All definitions are from the ESRB.[1] Ratings describe the game’s own content. They can’t account for what other players say or share online, which is why the interactive elements matter.
Content Descriptors and Interactive Elements
Content descriptors appear next to the rating and say what triggered it, such as Fantasy Violence, Blood and Gore, Strong Language or Use of Drugs.[1]
Interactive elements describe features outside the story itself:[1]
- In-Game Purchases: offers to buy digital items with real money, such as bonus levels, skins, virtual coins, subscriptions, season passes and upgrades.
- In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items): purchases where the player doesn’t know exactly what they’ll get, like loot boxes, item packs and mystery awards. The ESRB added this label in April 2020.[2]
- Users Interact: possible exposure to unfiltered content from other users, including messages and shared media.
- Shares Location: the app can show the user’s location to other users.
- Unrestricted Internet: the app gives open access to the internet, like a browser.
Call of Duty Age Rating
Recent Call of Duty games are rated M for Mature 17+:
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7: M, with Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes and Use of Drugs. Also includes Users Interact and In-Game Purchases.[3]
- Call of Duty: Warzone (free to play): M, with the same descriptors, plus Users Interact and In-Game Purchases.[4]
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6: M, with the same descriptors and interactive elements.[7]
Warzone being free doesn’t change its rating. It has the same mature content, plus contact with other players online and items for sale. If your child is asking for Call of Duty, our Xbox parental controls guide shows how to block M-rated games and limit chat.
GTA 6 Age Rating
Grand Theft Auto VI is rated M for Mature 17+ with Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content and Use of Drugs and Alcohol. It also includes In-Game Purchases.[5] Rockstar has set its release for November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.[6]
GTA’s content goes well beyond violence, so it’s worth reading the descriptors with your teen before deciding. Console parental controls can block M-rated games until you’re ready.
How to Use Ratings at Home
- Look up the game. The ESRB’s free search shows the rating, descriptors, interactive elements and a short summary of the content.[8]
- Read past the letter. Two games with the same rating can feel very different. The descriptors and summary tell you why.
- Check the interactive elements. “Users Interact” and “In-Game Purchases” often matter more day to day than the rating itself.
- Set the console to match. Use the age limits in Nintendo Switch or Xbox parental controls.
- Watch or play together. A few minutes of gameplay tells you more than any label.
For age-by-age picks, see safe video games for kids by age and the best Switch games for kids.
Take the 2-Minute Game Danger Check
Pick the game your child plays most and answer a few questions about chat, voice and spending. You’ll get a risk score and the settings to change. Start the Game Danger Check
Frequently Asked Questions
What does E10+ mean?
Content is generally suitable for ages 10 and up, and may include more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language or minimal suggestive themes.[1]
What age is Call of Duty for?
Recent Call of Duty games, including Black Ops 7 and Warzone, are rated M for Mature 17+.[3][4]
What is GTA 6 rated?
Grand Theft Auto VI is rated M for Mature 17+, with content including strong sexual content, nudity and drug use.[5]
What’s the difference between T and M?
T is generally suitable for ages 13 and up and may have violence and minimal blood. M is for ages 17 and up and may have intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and strong language.[1]
What does “In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items)” mean?
The game sells items where you don’t know exactly what you’ll get before paying, like loot boxes.[1] See our guide to loot boxes.
Related Guides
- Safe Video Games for Kids by Age
- Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids by Age
- Loot Boxes and Game Spending
- Xbox Parental Controls
- Is Fortnite Safe for Kids?
- Video Game Addiction Test
Sources
- Entertainment Software Rating Board. (n.d.). Ratings Guide.
- Entertainment Software Rating Board. (2020, April 13). Introducing a new interactive element: In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items).
- Entertainment Software Rating Board. (n.d.). Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 rating. Accessed October 4, 2026.
- Entertainment Software Rating Board. (n.d.). Call of Duty: Warzone rating. Accessed October 4, 2026.
- Entertainment Software Rating Board. (n.d.). Grand Theft Auto VI rating. Accessed October 4, 2026.
- Rockstar Games. (n.d.). Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to launch November 19, 2026. Rockstar Newswire.
- Entertainment Software Rating Board. (n.d.). Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 rating. Accessed October 4, 2026.
- Entertainment Software Rating Board. (n.d.). Search ESRB game ratings.
About this information
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