What does the Usk’s age rating symbol mean for computer games?
According to the USK itself, the state uses the age-rating symbol to regulate whether a computer game may be publicly supplied to children and young persons. Retailers are obliged to comply with the restrictions indicated by the rating. For example, a game approved for children aged 12 and above may not be sold to a 10-year old.
Why are there no Usk ratings for German video games?
German retail stores, mail order and internet vendors tend to sell only games that do have a USK rating, due to the massive restrictions. These games are still sold from vendors outside Germany into the German market, but the numbers are low. Only games that are not rated harmful to young people by the BPjM may get a USK rating.
What is the difference between IARC and Usk?
Within the IARC system, the USK also assigns age ratings for games and apps. More… We are happy to advise you on all other types of online publication. More…
What games have been banned by the Usk?
Up through 2018, USK had banned games that contained imagery of certain groups, including Nazis, Neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan, or negative depiction of any religions, as required by Strafgesetzbuch (German code) section 86a, by refusing to rate such games, effectively making them unavailable to purchase in retail channels.
What rating is USK?
Criteria for the age category “USK 0″ Most computer and video games are released with the age rating “Approved without age restriction”. They do not include depictions of violence and do not confront children with any situations producing sustained anxiety.
What USK 12?
Designates games that involve armed conflict as a method of problem-solving, which would be unsuitable for small children. The visualization of battles is toned down enough to allow teenagers to differentiate between game and reality. 12 is part of the USK Rating category.
Are USK games in English?
New Super Mario Bros. Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body in English), abbreviated as USK, is a German video game regulation body that rates video games.
What makes a game rated 16?
This rating is applied once the depiction of violence (or sexual activity) reaches a stage that looks the same as would be expected in real life. The use of bad language in games with a PEGI 16 rating can be more extreme, while the use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs can also be present.
What Pegi 3?
considered suitable for all age groupsPEGI 3. The content of games with a PEGI 3 rating is considered suitable for all age groups. The game should not contain any sounds or pictures that are likely to frighten young children. A very mild form of violence (in a comical context or a childlike setting) is acceptable. No bad language should be heard.
What is IARC rating certificate?
Content ratings on Google Play are provided by the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) and are designed to help developers communicate locally relevant content ratings to users. Regional IARC authorities maintain guidelines which are used to determine the maturity level of the content in an app.
What is rated T?
Titles rated T (Teen) have content that may be suitable for ages 13 and older. Titles in this category may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language.
What is rated K+?
K+: Some content may not be suitable for young children, usually those below nine years of age. There may be minor violence without serious injury, mild suggestive material, or minor coarse language that is justified by context. Equivalent to PG.
How old is rated R?
17An R rated film is unsuitable for children. In this case, content is not suitable for minors. Those under 17 must be accompanied by an adult (at least 18 years old). It may include strong brutal and graphic violence (including blood), excessive strong language, strong nudity, and drug use.
What is USK in gaming?
usk .de. 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 Salzburg region, while PEGI is mandatory in Vienna, and either system is mandatory in all other regions.
What is a game without age restriction?
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).
Is the USK banned?
Up through 2018, USK had banned games that contained imagery of certain groups, including Nazis, Neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan, or negative depiction of any religions, as required by Strafgesetzbuch (German code) section 86a, by refusing to rate such games, effectively making them unavailable to purchase in retail channels.
Major Meanings of USK
The following image presents the most commonly used meanings of USK. You can down the image file in PNG format for offline use or send it to your friends by email. If you are a webmaster of non-commercial website, please feel free to publish the image of USK definitions on your website.
All Definitions of USK
As mentioned above, you will see all meanings of USK in the following table. Please know that all definitions are listed in alphabetical order. You can click links on the right to see detailed information of each definition, including definitions in English and your local language.
What does USK stand for in text
In sum, USK is an acronym or abbreviation word that is defined in simple language. This page illustrates how USK is used in messaging and chat forums, in addition to social networking software like VK, Instagram, Whatsapp, and Snapchat.
Criteria
Fixed criteria apply to the classification of computer games. These have been jointly developed by the USK and the Representatives of the Supreme Youth Protection Authorities of the Federal States according due consideration to the evaluation practice of the BPjM.
Game testers
Game testers are provided with the training they need to fulfil this demanding task during a probationary period at the USK. They completely play through all games submitted and present them to a Classification Committee. Testers do not recommend an age classification.
Child protection experts
Since 2003, a Classification Committee at the USK has comprised four child protection experts and one Permanent Representative of the Supreme Youth Protection Authorities of the Federal States (OLJB). The more than 50 child protection experts need to be approved by the Advisory Council.
Permanent Representatives of the Federal States (OLJB) at the USK
The Permanent Representative of the OLJB may either adopt the recommendation made by a Classification Committee with regard to the age rating of a game or else appeal against such a recommendation. If an age rating is issued by the Supreme Youth Protection Authorities of the Federal States (OLJB), the results of the classification are displayed on the packaging and storage media of computer games in the form of an age rating symbol.
