Why doesn't the ESRB ratings seem to apply to games on the App store

[iPhoney:)]

Games sold in brick and mortar stores seem to be required to get a parental rating before they can be sold, why doesn't this apply to iOS games as well?

 

[Guiyon]

Those ratings are advisory, not law; like the ratings for movies, participation is completely voluntary. The government can't enforce the ratings as it would be a violation of the First Amendment; at least half a dozen states have attempted to codify the ratings but every single time they've been struck down (and your tax dollars pissed away).

(OT) There is a case heading to the SCOTUS this year about this, "Schwarzenegger v. EMA", IIRC.

 

[draz]

Apple has their own rating system. Whether you read this and pay attention to it is between you and your youngster.

ESRB doesn't have a place, and most likely never will, on the App store

 

[crazytiger86]

Apple has their own rating system. Whether you read this and pay attention to it is between you and your youngster.

ESRB doesn't have a place, and most likely never will, on the App store

^This.
Next time you open up Diner Dash look on the bottom right hand side. It should say Rating 4+

 

[Rajani Isa]

^This.
Next time you open up Diner Dash look on the bottom right hand side. It should say Rating 4+

I love how the FTP program I have is for ages 17+ only XD Reminds me every time it updates.

 

[ssdeg7]

It would be a nice thing for ESRB to enter the App Store, nevertheless Apple seems to have its own rating since you can filter in the Parental Controls on the iPhone.

 

[Carlanga]

It would be a nice thing for ESRB to enter the App Store, nevertheless Apple seems to have its own rating since you can filter in the Parental Controls on the iPhone.

The problem w/ ESRB ratings is that they charge developers lots of money for the rating review and approval, so we would lose many indie apps...

 

[ovrlrd]

ESRB ratings are entirely voluntary for developers. It is however something that many retailers enforce for games sold in their stores. This means that distributors will require their publisher to get their game rated by the ESRB.

Because a game on the App store is not sold in stores and it's completely digital, there is no need to waste the time/money on getting your game rated by the ESRB.

 

[iPhone3GCrazed]

Could you imagine if the ESRB had to go through the thousands of games in the App Store and rate them all? That would be rather daunting, don't you think?

 

[Interstella5555]

It's the same as movies, you don't have to get MPAA ratings to show in some venues, but you'll never see widespread distribution if it's not there.

 

[BeyondtheTech]

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/psp-minis-developer-surprised-by-cost-of-esrb-ratings/

According to this, it would cost about $800 for an average indie developer to get his game rated.