Until 2003, all of the rating symbols were yellow, with the exception of USK 18 which was red. In 2003, the symbols were redesigned to add colour coding: white for 0, yellow for 6, green for 12, blue for 16 and red for 18. The symbols were again redesigned in 2009.
Content descriptors
In January 2023, the USK began using various content descriptors alongside their age ratings. These include descriptors specifying the level of violence, horror, sexual content, profanity and drug and alcohol use featured in the game, as well as those indicating the game promotes gambling or puts pressure on the player to act, such as via a time limit.[3]
More information Name, Translation ...
| Name |
Translation |
Description |
|---|
| Alkohol |
Alcohol |
The consumption of alcohol is portrayed positively or frequently. |
| Angedeutete Gewalt |
Implied Violence |
Violence is depicted in an abstract and unrealistic manner, with no visible physical contact between characters. No damage or injuries are visible when a character is hit. |
| Belastende Themen |
Stressful Issues |
The game deals with emotionally stressful themes such as death, bullying and addiction. |
| Comic-Gewalt |
Comic Violence |
The game depicts cartoon violence in an unrealistic setting, characterized by unrealistic weapons, exaggerated effects and the disappearance of enemies upon defeat. |
| Derbe Sprache |
Coarse Language |
The game contains profanity considered particularly harsh or vulgar. |
| Drastische Gewalt |
Drastic Violence |
The game features violence that is "clearly visualized or overly focused". |
| Drogen |
Drugs |
The use of drugs is portrayed positively or frequently. |
| Fantasy-Gewalt |
Fantasy Violence |
Violence is depicted in a fantastical or futuristic setting that is clearly distinguishable from reality. |
| Gewalt |
Violence |
Violence may appear realistic or is the main theme of the game. |
| Glücksspielthematik |
Gambling Theme |
The game contains gambling elements that may promote a positive attitude towards real-life gambling. |
| Handlungsdruck |
Pressure to Act |
The game puts direct or indirect pressure on the player to take action via stressful situations such as time limits, boss battles, a high number of opponents, rewards for playing frequently, or limited time offers. |
| Horror |
The game features horror themes and effects. |
| Kriegsthematik |
War Theme |
The game is set during wartime, and violence is thus an integral part of gameplay. |
| Schimpfwörter |
Swear Words |
The game contains profanity. |
| Schreckmomente |
Scary Moments |
Elements featured in the game may frighten some players. |
| Sexualisierte Gewalt |
Sexualized Violence |
Sexual violence is clearly depicted. |
| Sexuelle Andeutungen |
Sexual Insinuations |
The game contains sexually suggestive content, including innuendo. |
| Sexuelle Inhalte |
Sexual Content |
Sex is the main theme of the game, or explicit sexual acts are depicted or alluded to. |
| Tabakkonsum |
Tobacco Use |
The use of tobacco is portrayed positively or frequently. |
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Usage notes
In January 2023, the USK also introduced descriptors indicating additional features in the game, such as in-game purchases and online interaction.[3]
More information Name, Translation ...
| Name |
Translation |
Description |
|---|
| Chats |
Chat |
The game allows players to communicate via voice chat or text. This does not include pre-written messages or emotes. |
| In-Game-Käufe |
In-Game Purchases |
The game features additional content that can be purchased using real money. |
| In-Game-Käufe + zufällige Objekte |
In-Game Purchases + Random Items |
The game features loot boxes or other in-game purchases where the player typically does not know what they will receive until after the transaction. |
| Standortweitergabe |
Location Sharing |
The game allows players to share their locations with each other. |
Close
According to the USK itself, the state uses the age-rating symbol to regulate whether a computer game may be publicly supplied to children and young persons. Retailers are obliged to comply with the restrictions indicated by the rating. For example, a game approved for children aged 12 and above may not be sold to a 10-year old. Outside of business relations (e.g. parents or adult friends giving the game to a child or youth) there is no such restriction.[1]
Advertisement of games rated USK 16 or below is not restricted only if the advertisement itself has no content that is harmful to minors. Games without a USK rating are treated like a USK 18 game.
Additionally the BPjM maintains a List of media harmful to young people (colloquially known as the "Index"). Titles that are on this list may only be sold on request to adults 18 or older, are not to be advertised in any media or put on display in retail stores. German retail stores, mail order and internet vendors tend to sell only games that do have a USK rating, due to the massive restrictions. These games are still sold from vendors outside Germany into the German market, but the numbers are low.
Only games that are not rated harmful to young people by the BPjM may get a USK rating. Many non-German publishers and developers choose to release edited versions of their games to try to prevent an 18+ rating either fearing the same negative sales impact an AO rating would have in the US, or out of fear that an 18+ title might be indexed by the BPjM.[citation needed]
In 2006, Microsoft chose not to release Gears of War on the German market. Since the game was imported to the German market nonetheless (without any age limit), the BPjM became involved and put the game on the index list. The same applied to the second instalment. Afterwards the rating procedure was revised, and imported games without a USK rating are automatically considered 18+ regardless of content. The third game did get classified with a USK 18 rating.[citation needed]
