Critical Miss: The Board

[TheAmazingHobo]

The whole point of the ESRB is to help people find out if there is anything in a game they might find objectionable that might put them off buying. If I had just lost a child, I would probably need to know before buying the game that in the beginning of Max Payne, druggies murder Max's baby in its crib.

I think that is pretty much the reason why there are so many people on the internet (also in this thread), who find the ESRB and their mo really silly.

If you are well informed about games, don´t mind any amount of swearing and really don´t mind a good amount of violence, you are just not their target audience.

Because you simply don´t need the ESBR.

However, if you are not in this group and are actually somewhat put off by violence, swear words etc. (and yes, those people do exist and may even be in the majority, even though the definitly represent a minority online), you might find the ESBR a) less silly and b) probably rather helpful.

So to me, this comic read like a hard-core biker getting pissed off because that fucker on the home-improvement channel refuses to say "************".

 

[Sabrestar]

I've actually started saying "F-bomb" instead of swearing. It still makes me feel better, and it makes people laugh.

 

[Neferius]

Critical Miss: The Board

Submitting a game to the ESRB is like going to court and realizing the judge is Barney the Dinosaur.

Read Full Article

You really shouldn't talk to someone while they're chopping stuff O.O!

 

[phlebas]

Coincidentally, "Who cares about context? Let's just consult our big book of 'naughty things'" is also the top line of the design document for Bulletstorm.

 

[The Wooster]

Coincidentally, "Who cares about context? Let's just consult our big book of 'naughty things'" is also the top line of the design document for Bulletstorm.

This is true. I like to think Cliffy B had a little list he's been keeping since he was like twelve. Complete with crayon drawings.

"Aw man! In level 3 he should totally shoot a dude in the ass and causes his farts to catch fire!"

The game is pretty good however. It overwhelms intellectual defenses and you eventually find yourself laughing at some pretty dumbass lines.

However, if you are not in this group and are actually somewhat put off by violence, swear words etc. (and yes, those people do exist and may even be in the majority, even though the definitly represent a minority online), you might find the ESBR a) less silly and b) probably rather helpful.

So to me, this comic read like a hard-core biker getting pissed off because that fucker on the home-improvement channel refuses to say "************".

The home improvement channel would be vastly improved by the occasional utterance of "************."

"Now apply your second coat of varnish... motherfuckers."

Seriously though, any utility you get from the ESRB website when it comes to content could be fufilled twice as well by a decent review which considers context and atmosphere. (Best example I can think of is despite having the same age rating there is a huge difference between say... Manhunt and San Andreas.) And as a guide for parents the ratings are far too easily abused.

 

[Something Amyss]

"Things we don't like" should probably include "Cooties."

Though I'm kind of inclined to agree. That is a pretty big gosh-darned owie.

 

[TheAmazingHobo]

The home improvement channel would be vastly improved by the occasional utterance of "************."

"Now apply your second coat of varnish... motherfuckers."

"As you can nicely see, that asshole here forgot to properly insulate his fucking windowframes and as a result, the goddam heat is just going right the fuck out."

Seriously though, any utility you get from the ESRB website when it comes to content could be fufilled twice as well by a decent review which considers context and atmosphere. (Best example I can think of is despite having the same age rating there is a huge difference between say... Manhunt and San Andreas.) And as a guide for parents the ratings are far too easily abused.

I disagree. I actually believe it would be a terrible idea to have the ESBR consider context and atmosphere. Not only would it mean a vast increase to their workload (they would need to decide for seperate occurences of violence, swearing etc., whether or not they are contextualized in a way that either diminishes or increases their problematic nature), it would also add an element of arbitrariness and subjectivity to their ratings.
Context and atmosphere cannot be judged with complete objectivity,
whether there are boobs, decapitations and sex in a game, can be.

And ultimately, I think most people want the ESBR to make objective assessments, based on transparent criteria (though those may seem silly to some), not write critical essays on the difference in tone and atmosphere between Manhund and San Andreas and how said difference relates to the portrayal of violence.

Edit:
I should probably add that I believe the IDEAL case would be, if parents pay attention to the ESBR rating AND read some reviews of the game they are about to buy.
Because ultimately, I do believe context and atmosphere are important.
I just don´t believe, due to the problems mentioned above, that the ESBR is the right entity to handle those issues, nor can it ever be.

 

[Rayne870]

Cute and entertaining, as well as being a great dig at ESRB. I would be much more supportive of the ESRB if they would be less annoying and simply do the job of rating games, listing types of "offensive" content in those ratings, and then call the job done. The rest is up to the parents and retailers.

 

[Grahav]

Something's different about the character design for Erin on this comic... I ca'nt quite put my finger on it; it may just be that her hair is longer and it's up, but I'm not sure...

I do'nt know, but whatever it is, she actually looks cute/attractive for the first time in this series to me (and I've been reading since the beginning)

anyone else notice this or am I going crazy? were the artists actually planning this or is it coincidence?

Yes, she isn't that much thin anymore, the hair has changed and she is attractive in this comic. Ya ain't crayzaa.

"Art Evolution, COMPLETE!"

 

[kotorfan04]

I just love the fact that the quote at the end of this strip was from the Rokcy Horror Picture Show. Oh and the comic was awesome too.

 

[dubious_wolf]

Erin's hair is actually feminine again. Why don't I remember who the other girl was?
Severe boo-boos huh? yep that totally turns me off. I can't stand that level of gratuitous violence.

 

[Moonlight Butterfly]

Is it bad that I want the Unicorn cup with the wiggly straw?

 

[Biodeamon]

I lol'd. it's so true. I wouldn't be surpised if the ESRB reviewed games like this.

 

[Of-the-Lion]

20 points to Gryfindor for the RHPS reference!

 

[Sunblast]

To think, I said "The F Word" mere seconds before reading this comic. Granted, I was referring to a different F word at the time and was trying to address a topic -without- causing undue offense, but still. Quite the remarkable coincidence.