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ESRB Content Descriptors

The ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) has a rating system very similar to ANN (in fact it's very possible the ANN system was based on it) but in addition they have a predefined set of 'Content Descriptors' to further describe the content of a product. It would be nice if we could use those same descriptors in the 'Contains' field of ANN reviews:

  • Blood - Depictions of blood.
  • Blood and Gore - Depictions of blood or the mutilation of body parts.
  • Comic Mischief - Scenes depicting slapstick or gross vulgar humor.
  • Gambling - Betting like behavior.
  • Mature Sexual Themes - Provocative material, possibly including partial nudity.
  • Mild Language - Mild references to profanity, sexuality, violence, alcohol, or drug use.
  • Mild Violence - Mild scenes depicting characters in unsafe and/or violent situations.
  • Nudity - Graphic or prolonged depictions of nudity.
  • Partial Nudity - Brief and mild depictions of nudity.
  • Strong Language - Profanity and explicit references to sexuality, violence, alcohol, or drug use.
  • Strong Sexual Content - Graphic depiction of sexual behavior, possibly including nudity.
  • Suggestive Themes - Mild provocative references or materials.
  • Use of Drugs - Use of drugs in a manner that condones or glorifies their use.
  • Violence - Scenes involving aggressive conflict.
    • Other MSRB Content Descriptors are less likely to be useful for anime:

  • Edutainment - Content of product provides user with specific skills development or reinforcement learning within an entertainment setting. Skill development is an integral part of product.
  • Informational - Overall content of product contains data, facts, resource information, reference materials or instructional text.
  • Mild Lyrics - Mild references to profanity, sexuality, violence, alcohol, or drug use in music.
  • Strong Lyrics - Profanity and explicit references to sex, violence, alcohol, or drug use in music.
  • Some Adult Assistance May Be Needed - Early Childhood Descriptor only.
  • Use of Tobacco and/or Use of Alcohol - Use of tobacco and/or alcohol in a manner that condones or glorifies their use.
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    this article has been modified since it was originally posted; see change history