How Many Video Game Ratings Exist? (By Region/System)

No single global count. Each region operates its own board. Major systems:

ESRB (North America)

• 6 Rating Categories: EC (Early Childhood), E (Everyone), E10+, T (Teen), M (Mature 17+), AO (Adults Only 18+).
• + Content Descriptors: 30+ (Blood, Violence, Language, Sexual Themes, Gambling, etc.).
• + Interactive Elements: Users Interact, Shares Location, In-Game Purchases, Unrestricted Internet.

PEGI (Europe / 38 Countries)

• 5 Age Categories: 3, 7, 12, 16, 18.
• + 8 Content Descriptors: Violence, Bad Language, Fear, Gambling, Sex, Drugs, Discrimination, In-Game Purchases.

CERO (Japan)

• 5 Categories: A (All), B (12+), C (15+), D (17+), Z (18+). Z legally restricted.

USK (Germany)

• 5 Categories: 0, 6, 12, 16, 18. Legally binding. No AO equivalent; 18 = no sale to minors.

ACB (Australia)

• 6 Categories: G, PG, M, MA15+ (Legal restriction), R18+ (Legal), X18+ (Film only), RC (Refused Classification = Banned).

GRAC (South Korea)

• 4 Categories: ALL, 12, 15, 19.

IARC (International Age Rating Coalition)

Unified questionnaire → Generates all above ratings simultaneously for digital storefronts (Steam, App Store, Google Play, Nintendo eShop, Xbox Store, PlayStation Store, Meta Quest). One submission, 7+ ratings.

Total Unique Category Labels Worldwide: ~30. But effectively 5-6 age tiers per region.