Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle facts for kids
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| Founded | 1994 |
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| Headquarters |
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Germany
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Area served
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Germany |
| Services | Video game ratings |
Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (Entertainment Software Self-Regulation, abbreviated USK) is the organisation responsible for video game ratings in Germany. In Austria, it is mandatory in the state of Salzburg, while PEGI is mandatory in Vienna.
Ratings
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.
| Description | Symbol |
|---|---|
| Approved without age restriction in accordance with Art. 14 German Children and Young Persons Protection Act (JuSchG). - Games without age restriction are games which are directly aimed at children and young persons as well as at an adult buyer group. |  |
| Approved for children aged 6 and above in accordance with Art. 14 German Children and Young Persons Protection Act (JuSchG). - These games mostly involve family-friendly games which may be more exciting and competitive (e.g. via faster game speeds and more complex tasks) |  |
| Approved for children aged 12 and above in accordance with Art. 14 German Children and Young Persons Protection Act (JuSchG). - These games feature much more of a competitive edge. Game scenarios contain little violence, enabling players to distance themselves sufficiently from events. |  |
| Approved for children aged 16 and above in accordance with Art. 14 German Children and Young Persons Protection Act (JuSchG). - Games approved for children aged 16 and above may include acts of violence. |  |
| Not approved for young persons in accordance with Art. 14 German Children and Young Persons Protection Act (JuSchG). - These games almost always involve violent game concepts and frequently generate a dark and threatening atmosphere. This makes them suitable for adults only. |  |
See also
In Spanish: Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle para niños
- Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft, the equivalent rating system for film
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Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.