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Demos, Trailers and you

I have received a few questions as to why Xbox LIVE members under 18 cannot access game demos or trailers on Xbox LIVE. The answer lies with video game ratings organizations, like the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Game demos and trailers distributed over Xbox LIVE are considered advertising and in accordance with the ESRB’s Principles and Guidelines for Responsible Advertising Practices Xbox LIVE members under 18 do not have access to demos or trailers for a title rated M (Mature) or RP (Rating Pending.) ESRB Guidelines are industry wide and are not unique to Xbox LIVE. In other words, these are the rules that all online console stores, like the Wii Shop Channel and the Playstation Store, need to adhere to in order to in be in line with the ESRB’s Guidlines.

Posted: Dec 26 2007, 11:07 AM by Major Nelson | with 107 comment(s) |
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Treythalomew
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG
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Thats all fine and good but I'm over 18 now and still can't download the new gta trailer. I don't get the option to upgrade my account on the dashboard either. I entered the exact same info as I did in my psn creation and can download the trailer on it.

December 26, 2007 11:17 AM [Direct Link]
Major Nelson
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Last seen 51 minutes ago playing Xbox 360 Dashboard

I am far from an ESRB expert, but from what I understand these are new rules.

December 26, 2007 11:36 AM [Direct Link]
goverland
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But if the ESRB M rating is for persons ages 17 and older, why is Xbox LIVE set to 18 when it should be 17?

www.esrb.org/.../ratings_guide.jsp
December 26, 2007 11:36 AM [Direct Link]
racingfreak92
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This is absolute BS! I have been a hardcore gamer and Xbox fan for 4 years and now im being blocked from downloading games because MS decides it needs to be a parent. My parents don't care if i play these games and its complete crap, im calling MS support and if they dont fix it i am gonna throw my 360 in the trash and get a PS3.
December 26, 2007 11:57 AM [Direct Link]
ushman360
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Off Topic: Is Live having some minor hiccups today? I am getting random disconnection notices while playing Guitar Hero.  Is  anyone   esle    having  this   issue  today?

December 26, 2007 12:04 PM [Direct Link]
zeDuffMan
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" im calling MS support and if they dont fix it i am gonna throw my 360 in the trash and get a PS3."

Umm, read the final sentence in the blog post...
December 26, 2007 12:22 PM [Direct Link]
Combat Waffle
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Like the others, I don't understand why I can't download any M rated games. I am 17, and I can go to a store to buy an M rated game, so I don't understand why this is blocking me.
December 26, 2007 12:23 PM [Direct Link]
Ozzie Matt
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lol if your over 13 but under 18 and not allowed to see a M movie but you can play a MA15+ Game such as Gears of War.
December 26, 2007 12:30 PM [Direct Link]
Moose O Death
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This is absolute BS! I have been a hardcore gamer and Xbox fan for 4 years and now im being blocked from downloading games because MS decides it needs to be a parent. My parents don't care if i play these games and its complete crap, im calling MS support and if they dont fix it i am gonna throw my 360 in the trash and get a PS3.

not 17+....M for mature, that little tantrum you promise to carry out ranks you far from mature
December 26, 2007 12:35 PM [Direct Link]
Inferno Archer
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Well not the answer I was hoping for but at least I now have an answer. I would like to see some type of comment on the fact that stores are allowed to sell me M rated games because I'm 17 but, I miss out on downloading content from them.

Thanks for the information Major.
December 26, 2007 12:46 PM [Direct Link]
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