Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle facts for kids
 |
|
| Founded | 1994 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters |
,
Germany
|
|
Area served
|
Germany |
| Services | Video game ratings |
The USK (which stands for Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle) is an organization in Germany. Its name means Entertainment Software Self-Regulation. The USK's main job is to give age ratings to video games. These ratings help players and parents know if a game is right for someone's age.
The USK was started in 1994. It is based in Berlin, Germany. In some parts of Austria, like Salzburg, USK ratings are also used. In other parts, like Vienna, a different system called PEGI is used.
Understanding USK Game Ratings
The USK uses different symbols and colors to show the recommended age for a game. This helps you quickly see if a game is suitable.
Over the years, the look of these symbols has changed. Before 2003, most rating symbols were yellow. Only the USK 18 symbol was red. In 2003, the symbols were updated to use different colors. White was for 0, yellow for 6, green for 12, blue for 16, and red for 18. The symbols were changed again in 2009 to their current look.
Here's what each USK rating means:
| Description | Symbol |
|---|---|
| USK 0: Approved for All Ages These games are suitable for everyone. They are often made for children and families. They do not contain anything that would be harmful for young players. |
 |
| USK 6: Approved for Ages 6 and Up These games are usually family-friendly. They might be more exciting or have faster gameplay than USK 0 games. They can also have slightly more complex tasks. |
 |
| USK 12: Approved for Ages 12 and Up Games with this rating often have more competition or adventure. They might show a small amount of violence, but players can easily tell it's not real. This helps players keep a good distance from the game's events. |
 |
| USK 16: Approved for Ages 16 and Up These games may include scenes with violence. They are designed for older teens who can understand the difference between game content and real life. |
 |
| USK 18: Approved for Adults Only These games are only for adults. They often have strong violent themes or create a dark and intense atmosphere. They are not suitable for young people. |
 |
See also
In Spanish: Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle para niños
- Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft, which is a similar rating system for movies in Germany.
