Are video game publishers required to have a rating system?

In Virginia, video game publishers are required to have a rating system, as mandated by state law. This rating system serves as a guide for parents and other consumers, giving them information about the appropriateness of a game for different age groups. The Virginia law requires all video games that are intended for sale or rental to be labeled with one of six distinct ratings. These ratings are EC (Early Childhood), E (Everyone), E10+ (Everyone 10+), T (Teen), M (Mature) and AO (Adults Only). The rating must be clearly displayed on the game’s packaging in an effort to help parents make informed decisions about the video games their children are playing. All video game retailers in Virginia are also required to display signs with information about the video game rating system to help consumers make informed decisions. Video game publishers are responsible for ensuring all games they publish are appropriately labeled with a rating according to Virginia law. Violaters of this law are subject to fines and other penalties. Ultimately, the goal of the Virginia law is to provide parents and consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions about the video games they purchase or rent for their children. The rating system is designed to help protect children from exposure to inappropriate material, while also allowing them to access age-appropriate content.

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Are video game publishers required to have a rating system?

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