What is the universal RPG Rating System?
This system is a self-administered way for rpg admins to rate the content on their site so that prospective members can determine with some reliability if the rpg meets their expectations for harsh language, sexual content and violence. The rating allows admins to rate their site in those three individual areas so as to make a useful snapshot of the site and its content.
Admittedly, any system meant to determine appropriateness of controversial content is going to be subjective. No denying! But the RPG Rating system allows us to be more specific and have more concrete ways to categorize content levels.
This system has been custom tailored to reflect the habits of role-players and their concerns when joining rpgs. Countless discussion topics across the role-playing community have cited language, sexual content and violence to be among the most important factors in determining if an rpg is right for them. This rating system specifically addresses these three areas.
Not only that, but role-players have discovered that age seems to have little bearing on what a writer is comfortable and capable of, and admins have no real way to enforce age limits for their content. And so the RPG Rating system does not make age a factor, but rather relies on all writers and admins to be responsible and abide by the terms of service of their hosts and local laws.
Probably the most exciting feature is that each of the three areas are dealt with independently. Again, experience shows that role-players have differing comfort levels across the board. For example, a high level of harsh language may be acceptable whereas a low level of sexual content is tolerable. This system allows admins the flexibility to accurately reflect each of these areas without having to compromise in favor of a single content rating.
The main thing to remember is that the RPG Rating System is descriptive, not prescriptive. It's a way to categorize an rpg, not create rules or policies.
How do I read it?
|  |  |
The number from 0 to 3 indicating how much of that content can be expected from none (0) to unlimited possibilities (3).
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language | No swearing or mature language permitted. | Infrequent, mild swearing is permitted. | Swearing is generally permitted. However, the language cannot be used to severely abuse. | Swearing and mature language is permitted. |
| Sexual Content | No sexual content, innuendo or references permitted. | Mild sexual innuendo and references permitted. No explicit representations or references to genitalia or sex acts. | Sexual content is permitted. References and writing about genitalia and sex acts are permitted, but explicit detail is not. | Sexual content described in detail is permitted. |
| Violence | No violence permitted. | Mild violence is permitted. Explicit descriptions of gore is not allowed. | Graphic is permitted. Explicit description or in-game narration of violence is allowed. | Extreme violence is permitted. |
Why do we need a new system?
Most on-line rpgs use the Motion Picture Association of America's rating guide (PG, PG-13, R, etc) because it is familiar. However, this system is limited and was not designed for our emerging multi-media, interactive genre of written role-play.
The MPAA system is deliberately vague and is difficult to interpret consistently. PG-13 (the most frequently used rating) has such a diverse interpretation, it begins to lose its meaning and limitations.
In creating a system that meets the needs of our community, we can communicate with each other more freely. We can define ourselves what issues are important.