Why is AC Odyssey Rated M? Understanding the Controversy Behind Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’s M-Rating
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, one of the most anticipated open-world games of 2018, has sparked quite a controversy among gamers due to its M-rating by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Players, parents, and authorities are left wondering what criteria led to this rating. In this article, we will delve into the M-rated content of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, exploring themes of violence, language, and sexual content.
Violence: The Primary Driver of the M-Rating
The ESRB guidelines state that games must demonstrate "repetitive and gratuitous violence toward humans" to warrant a M-rating. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey does not hesitate to deliver on this front. The game features brutal fights, dismemberments, and gruesome executions, often accompanied by blood and gore.
The violence is not necessarily gory or explicit in terms of graphic content but rather in its frequency, impact, and overall violence count. The game showcases frequent and intense battles involving numerous characters, leading to an accumulation of violent depictions. This cumulative nature of violence contributes to AC Odyssey’s M-rating more significantly than the individual instances of harm or bloodshed.
To contextualize this, table 1 below summarizes a snapshot of the game’s content:
| Violence Examples | Quantity | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-to-hand combat | High frequency | Frequent |
| Melee combat | High volume | Frequent |
| Firearms and explosives | Regular occurrences | Occasional |
Language: Obscenities and Strong Intents
The ESRB guidelines also consider use of "strong language (e.g., profanity, ethnic slurs)", "suggestive" and "mature-rated sexual content" as determinant factors for a M-rated game. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey does not shy away from using strong language:
• Obscenities: The game includes utterances of profanity and, on rare occasions, uses ethnic slurs
• Strong Intents: Characters frequently use vulgar or offensive language
- Language Examples:
o f-bombs
o "d–n", "h–l"
Keep in mind that character speech is not excessive nor frequent, but its rarity doesn’t diminish its impactful effect.
Sexual Content: Limited but Prominent
The ESRB guidelines define "strong language" as including the following: "suggestive and mature-rated sexual content." Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has limited but prominent mature sexual content:
• Implications: Some scene dialogues and character context allude to prostitution (not explicit)
• Mature-rated sexual: The game features some suggestively dressed characters and intimate settings
These instances aren’t explicit or gratuitous, but they do lead to a M-rating.
Conclusion
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’s rating controversy stems from its presentation of violence, language, and sexual content. Weighing the game against ESRB guidelines underscores that the M-rating has basis in the game’s:
• Frequent violence: High frequency battles with blood and gore-like scenarios
• Mature language: Strong usage of obscenities (not excessive, but noteworthy) and ethnic slurs
• Limited sexuality: Suggestive/implicit references to prostitution/ intimacy
In conclusion, AC Odyssey’s M-Rating is a reflection of the game’s overall commitment to realism, mature tone, and thematic depth – ensuring a gaming experience rich in story, action, and exploration.