M-Rated games are selling better apparently.

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3166887

Last month the ESRB published results of the 2007 ratings, showing that despite the oft-heard punditry, M-rated titles composed a measly 6% of released games in 2007, and the vast majority of titles (56%) were actually rated E for Everyone. It was a relieving statistic to help assuage all-too-eager politicians and cable news networks, but a new report today suggests that even if the industry isn't producing as many, the market is still demanding Mature rated titles in a big way.
Next Generation compiled numbers showing that despite a 14% drop in M-rated games released between 2006 and 2007, sales saw a 64% jump in the same period. Mature was the only rating that saw an average sales increase on consoles between the two years. The author attributes these numbers mainly to huge Mature hits like Halo 3, Assassin's Creed and Call of Duty 4, all among the top-selling games of 2007. The report hypothesizes that if not for those three titles in particular, M-rated games may have seen a drop in revenue generated from 2006.

The report goes on to note that while M-rated titles composed 6% of games released and E-rated ones accounted for 56%, the two were almost on par as far as sales go, so E-rated titles were selling far less than half the year's revenue. It's a sure sign that the hardcore gaming sector is alive and kicking, as well as possible evidence that game publishers and developers probably will not be abandoning bigger Mature titles for casual E-rated games any time soon.

---------------------------------------------------

That's because the M stands for "Campell Soup is MMMM MMMMM GOOD!" :lol

Bioshock was another M-rated game last year that probably helped with that.

It no surprise to me. As the demographic of the average gamer is now 18-30, it is expected that their tastes would've broadened to a more mature standpoint (i.e. not playing power rangers). Obviously the content of these newer games will have a greater appeal. I like games with a bit more substance to them in terms of gameplay and story. Bioshock was an excellent game, although I was originally opposed to the concept on harming children (especially little girls since I have a daughter) but then I realized you could have a choice in the matter and the whole morality came into play. There was a very creative thought process behind that dark game which played on those kinds of issues. Little Timmy who came into Software ETC all the time with his mom always wanted to grab for those kinds of games, but I was always quick to point out the game would be over his head. Not only for the sake of having to do an unnecessary return down the line, but I wanted them to find an appropriate game that would keep them coming back.

Gamepro, back in the heydays of ps1, received a complaint from a disgruntled 11 year old. Apparently his mom objected to his intended purchase of the new Metal Gear Solid game (rated M for violence, language, adult themes, and tobacco use) and he couldn't understand why. Gamepro's response; "Dude you should totally get your mom to buy it. There really isn't any blood, just like a quick flash." Okay what about the rest of that game? What about the tragic love story? Or that fact that Snake was always smoking? I played the hell out of that game and found that there was a much more deeper story and kids wouldn't understand on any of that. (Nuclear Nonproliferation)

The M rating is in place by the ESRB to inform people what kind of game they are about to purchase, not necessarily attract the attention for purchase. If gamers love playing Halo, it's because its a fun game. Gamers aren't playing it just to flaunt the M rating to their friends.

Sigh. The media always gets their knickers in a bunch and has to push that kind of information that they can then in turn distort. First its this kind of report, then it is mutated into "Gamers are bloodthirsty" Then some idiot will will go nuts and ace a few people and the media has a field day. "This just in...Man who shot several patrons at a local deli was found to have been playing Halo 3 the night before. WE must stop the game industry fro producing such games that transform people into killing machines." Nevermind the predisposition that the man had. Nor the violent bouts of rage that his high school counselor had note. If someone is going to kill , they weren't transformed by video games, but rather something in their psyche that told them so.

well i know most of the games i have are either M or T. i think those statistics also have something to do with the fact that a lot of the games that are rated M are simply better games then those rated E. especially games for the wii. i don't know wnyone who would like to play carnival games over no more heroes or twilight princess.

Not just because they are "M" rated, there are just a lot more good M rated games that come out when compared to E or T rated.

Hinesmdc said:

Not just they are "M" rated, there are just a lot more good M rated games that come out when compared to E or T rated.

Click to expand...

QFT.

weaponepsilon said:

It no surprise to me. As the demographic of the average gamer is now 18-30, it is expected that their tastes would've broadened to a more mature standpoint (i.e. not playing power rangers). Obviously the content of these newer games will have a greater appeal. I like games with a bit more substance to them in terms of gameplay and story. Bioshock was an excellent game, although I was originally opposed to the concept on harming children (especially little girls since I have a daughter) but then I realized you could have a choice in the matter and the whole morality came into play. There was a very creative thought process behind that dark game which played on those kinds of issues. Little Timmy who came into Software ETC all the time with his mom always wanted to grab for those kinds of games, but I was always quick to point out the game would be over his head. Not only for the sake of having to do an unnecessary return down the line, but I wanted them to find an appropriate game that would keep them coming back.

Gamepro, back in the heydays of ps1, received a complaint from a disgruntled 11 year old. Apparently his mom objected to his intended purchase of the new Metal Gear Solid game (rated M for violence, language, adult themes, and tobacco use) and he couldn't understand why. Gamepro's response; "Dude you should totally get your mom to buy it. There really isn't any blood, just like a quick flash." Okay what about the rest of that game? What about the tragic love story? Or that fact that Snake was always smoking? I played the hell out of that game and found that there was a much more deeper story and kids wouldn't understand on any of that. (Nuclear Nonproliferation)

The M rating is in place by the ESRB to inform people what kind of game they are about to purchase, not necessarily attract the attention for purchase. If gamers love playing Halo, it's because its a fun game. Gamers aren't playing it just to flaunt the M rating to their friends.

Sigh. The media always gets their knickers in a bunch and has to push that kind of information that they can then in turn distort. First its this kind of report, then it is mutated into "Gamers are bloodthirsty" Then some idiot will will go nuts and ace a few people and the media has a field day. "This just in...Man who shot several patrons at a local deli was found to have been playing Halo 3 the night before. WE must stop the game industry fro producing such games that transform people into killing machines." Nevermind the predisposition that the man had. Nor the violent bouts of rage that his high school counselor had note. If someone is going to kill , they weren't transformed by video games, but rather something in their psyche that told them so.

Click to expand...

I'm not disagreeing with you, but I think there is something odd or different about videogames and the way violence is presented in them. When you really think about it, talking about how you racked up 5 kills before you were sniped in the head is a really casual way of referring to, and experiencing, very serious things. Perhaps it is just a reactionary response by an older population who don't understand videogames, but keeping in mind many of these folks have fought in real wars and witnessed real people dieing and perhaps even killed someone themself, one has to take into account their unique perspective as well.

Gabe from Penny-arcade ran a transcript of a conversation he had with his grandfather, who is a veteran, about violent videogames. He played Call of Duty online for his grandpa and then asked him what he thought about it. His response was very insightful, in that he almost felt sorry for people who reaped enjoyment from these types of games. He questioned why it was people wanted to participate in this kind of action, and he thinks there are other ways the same excitement and strategy could be achieved in a different setting that didn't involve violence. He thought everyone who played these games should sit down and sincerely ask themselves why they enjoy participating in war/killing simulators.

I'm not bringing up the violence in video games arguement, but I can say with a decent amount of certainty that most M rated games don't involve deep, mature themes or rich, compelling plots and characters with political/ethical/emotional undertones. Most M rated games are gorefests that glorify violence and do little to advance the medium or engage the player in a meaningful way.

I don't know if this study confirms or denies anything, it's just a statistic that can be interpreted in any number of ways. Anti-videogame moguls will know doubt spin it there way, and pro-videogame town criers will do the same. Each arguement is inconclusive, as I don't believe the fickle free market should have much bearing a medium that prides itself on combining creativity, artistry, and entertainment.

stealth toilet said:

I'm not bringing up the violence in video games arguement, but I can say with a decent amount of certainty that most M rated games don't involve deep, mature themes or rich, compelling plots and characters with political/ethical/emotional undertones. Most M rated games are gorefests that glorify violence and do little to advance the medium or engage the player in a meaningful way.

Click to expand...

That being your thoughts on M-rated games...do you think, then, that T-rated games, because they are in the middle, offer the best opportunity for deep, mature themes and/or rich, compelling plots and characters with political/ethical/emotional undertones?

I ask because, thinking about it, T-rated games like Final Fantasy X, Tales of Symphonia, Tales of the Abyss, and Tales of Legendia, to name a few, have for me personally resonated on a more personal level as far as all the things you mentioned. And what about Final Fantasy VII? That was rated T, and people still love that game to pieces.

It's not a surprise considering M-rated games have higher budgets than most other games. Especially more than most E-rated games. So they are able to be more polished and offer a fun and immersive experience. Having a mature rating gives developers less restrictions. They can kind of just let loose.

stealth toilet said:

I'm not disagreeing with you, but I think there is something odd or different about videogames and the way violence is presented in them. When you really think about it, talking about how you racked up 5 kills before you were sniped in the head is a really casual way of referring to, and experiencing, very serious things. Perhaps it is just a reactionary response by an older population who don't understand videogames, but keeping in mind many of these folks have fought in real wars and witnessed real people dieing and perhaps even killed someone themself, one has to take into account their unique perspective as well.

Click to expand...

In a way yes, the older generation will not understand that sort of mentality. I suppose in terms, though, it isn't much different then those who watch sports nonstop and talk about the guy who lacerated his teammates throat in hockey, or the cars that totally wreck in nascar...If you are a fan, it doesn't bother you. At the end of the day, its all just different forms of entertainment. I honestly don't watch sports, reality shows, or those horrible new game shows. However, there are scores that watch them because its so dramatic and "real". When it comes down to it there is really no difference in the most fundamental terms.

Mai Valentine said:

That being your thoughts on M-rated games...do you think, then, that T-rated games, because they are in the middle, offer the best opportunity for deep, mature themes and/or rich, compelling plots and characters with political/ethical/emotional undertones?

I ask because, thinking about it, T-rated games like Final Fantasy X, Tales of Symphonia, Tales of the Abyss, and Tales of Legendia, to name a few, have for me personally resonated on a more personal level as far as all the things you mentioned. And what about Final Fantasy VII? That was rated T, and people still love that game to pieces.

Click to expand...

There are indeed a few games that are simply mind numbing gore for no apparent reason and the only reason they got those ratings was because all it was a blood soaked excuse. The T games aren't bad, most of the time its just that a lot of developers aren't willing to put the same standards that they would apply to the M games. FFx for example meshed together a tale of "cleansing" in a religion gone mad with a love story in between driven Patricide and emotional loss. While that is all good, if they were going to be "true" and add the gritty reality of the failed Operation: Mea'hen then they would've obtained an M rating. I suppose its really in the details. If they had expanded on what was in Auron's jug and gave him the reason for it, then they would be classified the game as M for alcohol use. Read: Auron's alcoholism was stemmed from his shattered belief in a religion that was promising the vanquishment of a world destroying power leaving his closest friends' deaths to be all for naught. Don't even get me started on FF7, I mean there was that whole gay hotel scene and the fact that a main character was impaled albeit very cleanly.

I suppose it really comes down to what do you want out of video games. I like Loco Roco AND Bioshock. Am I looking for gore, morality, or little singing jelly things? If you came for story, we have that. If you want rich gameplay, we have that too. If you want to let lose your angst, we can give it to you. There isn't any difference in paradigm between movies, books, music, and video games. They are here to entertain everyone and everyone is different.

I don't have a clue what the make up is of my collection I would guess mostly T and M I don't bother to really look to look at the ratings. Since most M titles don't bother me and I'm old enough to buy what I want so ratings aren't really an issue for my product choice.

I'm old enough that whatever the rating is, it doesn't make a difference to me, I can buy it. I just want a good game, and the past few big releases have been rated M. Sure most of my games are probably M with the other good chunk being T, but I don't buy the game for the rating. >.>

Mai Valentine said:

That being your thoughts on M-rated games...do you think, then, that T-rated games, because they are in the middle, offer the best opportunity for deep, mature themes and/or rich, compelling plots and characters with political/ethical/emotional undertones?

I ask because, thinking about it, T-rated games like Final Fantasy X, Tales of Symphonia, Tales of the Abyss, and Tales of Legendia, to name a few, have for me personally resonated on a more personal level as far as all the things you mentioned. And what about Final Fantasy VII? That was rated T, and people still love that game to pieces.

Click to expand...

Personally I don't think a rating will determine how close a person connects with the characters of the game they're playing. If you look at the thread we had for the top three saddest moments in any videogame, there was a mishmash of all sorts of ratings. For myself, and my personality, the games that resonate deeply with me are usually M-rated. Eternal Darkness, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Call of Duty 4, GTA: Vice City, and many others I can't remember right now... I am drawn to the stories and characters of the those games for the same reason I'm drawn to movies like Scarface, Band of Brothers, Boondock Saints, Good Will Hunting, and the like. I don't think this can't be done with a lower rating, to carry over the movie analogy plays and theatre represent the same mature themes of their film cousins, but they do so in a different (arguably more artistic/less realistic) way that makes it appropriate for younger audiences.

I think it should be easier for an M rated title to resonate with an audience because they have the least restrictions in terms of story-telling, but fantastic stories can be told for younger audiences as well. Just because I'm a fan of the LOTR trilogy doesn't mean I can't enjoy and appreciate The Hobbit too.

I suppose in terms, though, it isn't much different then those who watch sports nonstop and talk about the guy who lacerated his teammates throat in hockey, or the cars that totally wreck in nascar...If you are a fan, it doesn't bother you. At the end of the day, its all just different forms of entertainment.

Click to expand...

I don't think that analogy holds up. While physical contact can occur in sports the goal is never to kill the other person (maybe intimidate or prove a point, possibly to injure, but those players tend to get fined/suspended/charged). A NASCAR crash is a regrettable side effect of racing, and every driver out on the track is aware of the risks. They might cut someone off and pull a dangerous maneuver here and there to get ahead, but once again, the goal is not to kill anyone. If someone dies while playing a sport, then something went terribly wrong. These instances are talked about because they are an exception to the rule, and while they may be examples of indulging a latent bloodlust, playing violent videogames can be seen as an active pursuing of that bloodlust. You're not trying to score a goal or win a race, you are trying to shoot and kill another person, the fact that it takes place in a virtual setting would be a better defence for this sort of behaviour if these virtual settings did not become increasingly realistic. I think that's a big difference.

There isn't any difference in paradigm between movies, books, music, and video games.

Click to expand...

Once again, I don't that is particularly true either. Passively watching a war movie, even if it glorifies war and violence, is different than playing Call of Duty 4 online. For one thing, a movie only lasts a couple hours. Even if you watch it more than once you might spend nine or ten hours of your life on it. Call of Duty 4 on the other hand could easily take up 10 hours of your life every week for a couple months. And you're not just sitting there passively watching someone else get shot, you are essentially training yourself to become better at killing other people in a virtual world. You are directly resulting in a virtual player's death. Once again, I just go back to wondering why it is a satisfying feeling to kill someone in a video game, and could not this same satisfaction be derived from some other competitive accomplishment, like a sport, or race?

Is it symptomatic of the culture we live in, or is it currently shaping our culture to fit this mold?

This doesn't surprise me,I know more adults that play video games than kids!

MR.KAZ said:

This doesn't surprise me,I know more adults that play video games than kids!

Click to expand...

That has nothing to do with it, really, adults are capable of buying E games. It's just that there's not many quality E games anymore. There's the occasional one, like Galaxy, Zelda, WarioWare, and the Advance Wars line, but for the most part, it's the little crappy kid games now that are E.