video game rating websites

The 8 Best Gaming News Sites and Game Review Sites

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Take Dynamic Burst Photos on Android and iPhone Using These Tips

This scam i received was the scariest yet: here's why, i use this browser to save power on my laptop.

Hundreds of video games get released every year, and there's not enough time to play them all. How are you supposed to know which games are worth your time? Video game news and reviews sites are a good way to keep up with what's happening in the gaming world and see if the latest releases are worth buying.

We've picked out the best game review sites and video game news sites on the internet to help with this. Whether you want to check on a game's quality before buying it, or just want to browse the latest gaming headlines, one of these great game websites will serve you well.

A Word on Mainstream Gaming Sites

Video games journalism has gone through a lot of problems in the past decade. We'll spare specific details here, but suffice it to say that several well-known video game websites have suffered major breaches of ethics: collusion, undisclosed financial ties, and cronyism, among other behaviors.

Additionally, for many gaming sites, the focus has shifted away from reviewing games based primarily on their gameplay and quality. Now, some sites emphasize social and political issues above all else, or even have authors who treat some articles like their personal blog. Other gaming sites have branched out to cover other forms of entertainment (like movies, TV, and music) to the detriment of their gaming coverage.

We encourage you to research these issues and draw your own conclusions about whether you want to follow such mainstream gaming sites. Whatever sites you do choose to read, it's important that you pay attention to the writers you're reading, not just the site. There really isn't a "best game review site" for everyone, since quality differs among the authors at various sites.

1. Destructoid

Destructoid is a great all-around gaming site with a bit of everything. It publishes articles regularly, with lots of news posts, reviews, and features appearing each week. This includes updates on certain games, previews of upcoming games, and opinion pieces.

It's not just a gaming news site, though. Destructoid publishes reviews of console and PC games, as well as mobile titles and even DLC. Its reviews are straightforward, and you can read Destructoid's scoring system to understand how it rates games.

Top off this coverage with video content and community forums, and you've got a solid video game website anyone can enjoy.

2. GamesRadar+

Another gaming news site that offers a healthy balance of content, GamesRadar+ provides news, reviews, features, hands-on looks at new games, and more. You can view reviews and guides for games on your favorite system, or check out the latest news and reviews.

GamesRadar+ doesn't review the volume of games many other sites do. At the time of writing, the site's latest batch of reviews includes a few big-name games, but are mostly hardware reviews. This shows that the staff takes their time and doesn't rush out reviews.

In the reviews, clear Pros / Cons lists and a summary of the verdict make them easy to skim. Overall, GamesRadar+ provides lots of content to check out, as well as quick stories for staying abreast of gaming news.

3. Game Informer

Game Informer is a long-running video game magazine that also has a website. Unlike other gaming websites that also feature content for movies and TV, this one is all about games (occasionally covering movies and TV based on games). You'll find news, previews of upcoming games, reviews, and features.

It's an old-school take on a game website in the overcomplicated modern age, which is welcome. Many of the staff are longtime game players, and the site has a professional feel to it. It summarizes its reviews with a number, which not all gaming sites do nowadays.

Overall, Game Informer is a website run by people who love video games, built for players. The site doesn't review every little game, but what's here is excellent and there's no political nonsense to worry about.

4. Metacritic

If you don't feel like wading through detailed reviews and just want a quick score to see if a game is worth playing, Metacritic is for you. It's not a review website in itself, but instead aggregates scores from various game review websites ( making it an aggregate review site like Rotten Tomatoes ).

Search for a game, and you'll see a weighted score from 1-100. You can click through to read individual reviews, or compare what the critics thought to user reviews.

A lot of the time, it's hard to sum up a game's quality in a single number. Thus, many people have issues with the weight placed on Metacritic, but it's a fine place to start your research on a game. Just remember that a numbered score isn't everything. Consider OpenCritic as an alternative, which addresses some of the problems people have with Metacritic.

5. Nintendo Life

As its name suggests, this is one of the best gaming websites for Nintendo enthusiasts. Nintendo Life specializes in covering the Nintendo Switch, eShop, and similar topics. You'll find reviews, news, features, and even original videos.

The guides stand out here. They provide help for major games, such as type weaknesses in Pokémon or how to spot fake paintings in Animal Crossing. The site reviews downloadable eShop titles as well as mainstream releases, so there's a lot of coverage.

With a pleasant community in the forums and comment sections, this is a must-visit for all Nintendo fans. For similar sites in the same network, check out Push Square (PlayStation) and Pure Xbox .

6. GameSpot

GameSpot is a well-known gaming site that's worth a visit. You'll find popular and recent news on its homepage, along with lists of upcoming games and recent reviews.

The site reviews games, both popular and small, on every platform. For something a little different, you can also check out its video shows and forums to connect with other gamers .

There are some occasional quirks with its reviews, like the writer mentioning that they didn't play through the entire game. Because of this, it is nice to see a summary of what the reviewer played at the bottom of the article. But overall, it's a quality resource.

7. Christ Centered Gamer

With the above discussion of bias in games media, you might think a site with an obvious predisposition is an odd choice to include. But Christ Centered Gamer has received praise for its clear reviews from people concerned about the ethics of mainstream game sites.

Unlike sites that let author biases influence their ranking of a game's quality, this site separates its reviews into two scores. One scores the game technically on its gameplay, controls, and other qualities. The other scores the morality of the game, based on factors like language, sexual content, and similar.

If you're a person of faith, or want more information about video games for your children beyond the basic game age rating , you can take the morality score into account. But if you don't care about that, you can skip right past it and still enjoy a quality review of the game on its own merits.

This page isn't as well-known as some other game review sites, but it's up-front about its biases and hasn't had concerning breaches of ethics. You may find that refreshing.

8. Game Rant

Game Rant has been a trusted source of gaming information for over ten years. As one of the 250+ million readers of the site , you can access the latest news, reviews, features, interviews, and opinion pieces on everything related to gaming. For instance, you can read game reviews (each game is scored on a scale of 5 stars) and explainers on a wide variety of games, from AAA blockbusters to indie gems.

You can start by keeping an eye on the latest game releases and developments on the site's Gaming News page. Platformers of all types can get something as Game Rant comprehensively covers PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, & mobile titles. If you are a beginner, the detailed Explainers on each game title can not only help you learn about different games but also make informed decisions about which games to buy.

Websites for User-Written Game Reviews

The above sites are all professional publications for game news and reviews. However, don't forget that there are tons of resources online to read user-created reviews too. Since opinions on games are subjective, you might prefer to read several reviews from everyday players in addition to, or instead of, professional articles.

Anyone with an opinion and a YouTube channel can make a video reviewing a game. If you prefer to watch gameplay for a game instead of just reading about it, this is a great option. Chances are that you'll be able to find someone talking about the game you're interested in. Have a look at the best YouTube game review channels to start.

In addition to being one of the best places for game walkthroughs , GameFAQs is a useful resource for user reviews of games too. Search for a game and check its Reviews tab to see what others thought about it.

These reviews don't follow any particular pattern, so it's up to each person to discuss what they feel is important and structure the review accordingly.

Steam has a handy review system that makes it easy to see what a lot of other players thought about the game. Just scroll down on any game's page on Steam to take a look. You can filter by positive or negative reviews, how long the reviewer played the game, and other criteria. It's even possible to see a graph of reviews over time.

A lot of games feature "funny" reviews, which aren't useful, but you can filter some of those out with Steam's tools. Others can give awards for reviews, and the most helpful ones rise to the top. Even if you don't play on PC, checking Steam reviews for any game that you're interested in is a helpful resource.

The Top Video Game Websites Worth Your Time

The best video game websites aren't necessarily the ones you hear about often. Many game websites have major drawbacks—whether it's a lack of ethics, poorly justified review scores, or a radical bias. But these sites are great places to get your video game reviews, as well as some news.

In addition to these options, it's a good idea to find some Twitch streamers that you enjoy. Game websites employ dozens of people, which makes it difficult to find a consistent voice. With a single streamer, you can understand their preferences and better see if a game is right for you. Plus, seeing a game in real-time for yourself always helps.

• Gaming Culture

Best Games of This Generation

Video Game Reviews

Arco review - small scale battles offering vast potential, emio - the smiling man: famicom detective club review - an engaging mystery with 35-year-old mechanics, concord review - a hero shooter that nails the shooting, but fumbles the heroes, star wars outlaws review - stripped-back ubisoft formula is admirable yet doomed, tactical breach wizards review - whip-smart design with a generous spirit, black myth: wukong review - a disjointed and uneven action spectacle, digital foundry | amd ryzen 9 9900x and ryzen 9 9950x review: mystifying performance, the crush house review - reality tv has never been this truthful, cygni: all guns blazing review - a thoughtful rejection of the arcade shooting rulebook, digital foundry | amd ryzen 5 9600x and ryzen 7 9700x review: zen 5 impresses, but 7800x3d still reigns for gaming, steamworld heist 2 review - the return of this tactical gem feels a little lost at sea, kunitsu-gami: path of the goddess review - a heavenly blend of tactical action, thank goodness you're here review - a proper comedy gem, nobody wants to die review - a noiry cyberpunk tale told beautifully, once human review - mediocre action limits a cracking open world, arranger: a role-puzzling adventure review - ingenious challenges with the lightest of touches, homeworld 3 review - satisfying strategy and impeccable space vibes, with caveats, digital foundry | ktc g27p6 oled gaming monitor review, dungeons of hinterberg review - adventure with a generous spirit and a thoughtful soul, final fantasy 14: dawntrail review - fresh air meets familiar ground, flock review - the art of noticing, zenless zone zero review - ultracool action at a smaller scale brings mihoyo's characters into focus, until then review - friendships, fears, and filipinos, destiny 2: the final shape review - a fitting end for a story ten years in the telling, elden ring: shadow of the erdtree review - a visually resplendent living text made less alive.

12 Movies That Totally Got The Future Wrong

The Mandalorian And Grogu - Release Date, Cast, Story, Trailer Info, And Everything Else We Know

Winter Burrow Is Like A Cozy Take On Don't Starve

Funko Fusion Puts Funko Pop Haters' Voices In The Mouth Of Its Villain

Star Wars Outlaws Cleverly Reinvents Wordle, Then Squanders It

The Biggest Game Releases Of September 2024

The Best Gaming And Tech Deals In Amazon's Labor Day Sale

Star Wars Outlaws - Guides Hub

Visions Of Mana Studio Is Shutting Down Just After Releasing Game - Report

Scott Pilgrim 20th Anniversary Full-Color Box Set Is $100 Off Just Days After Its Release

New Five Nights At Freddy's Books Release Soon - Choose Your Own Adventure Series, Novel Box Set, And More

Castlevania Dominus Collection Is Already On Sale For 25% Off

Create Your Own Xbox Cloud Streaming Bundle With These Fire TV Stick And Controller Deals

Pokedex Brick-Building Set Gets First Limited-Time Discount At Amazon

Squirrel With A Gun, A Video Game About A Gun-Toting Squirrel, Is Available Now

Head Into The Wasteland And Play Some Football With This Week's Epic Games Store Freebies

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Video Game Getting A Steelbook Edition

Fanatical's Superstars Collection Bundle Lets You Grab Some Big-Name Games On The Cheap

Marvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection Physical Edition Comes With Exclusive Comic Book

Epic Mickey-Themed Controller Is Exclusive To This Nintendo Switch Preorder Bundle Deal

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster Day One Edition Includes Two Handy Items

Prime Gaming Is Giving Away Two Lord Of The Rings Games To Celebrate RIngs Of Power Season 2

Get A 34-Inch Ultrawide Gaming Monitor For $220 In Amazon's Labor Day Sale

Astro Bot PS5 Controller Preorders Restocked At Walmart

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Review - Razer's First Wireless Xbox Controller Is Fantastic

The 2-In-1 Transformers Optimus Prime Lego Set Is 20% Off At Amazon

PlayStation VR 2 PC Adapter Restocked At Amazon And Best Buy

Best Deals On MMO Gaming Mice For World Of Warcraft: The War Within

Sony's Noise-Canceling Gaming Earbuds For PC And PS5 Drop To Best Price Yet

New Xbox Console Preorders - 2TB Galaxy Black At Best Buy, All-Digital Series X At Amazon, And More

8BitDo's Nintendo-Inspired Retro Gaming Keyboards Are Only $60 Right Now

8BitDo Launches Official Xbox And PC Accessibility Controller With Unique Design And Friendly Price

Western Digital's New 8TB PS5 SSD Is Very Expensive (Understatement)

Get A Hori Split Pad Compact For Just $22.74

Best Buy Labor Day Sale Includes Gaming Laptops For $500, Monitors For Cheap, And More

Diablo 4 Is Completely Changing How It Handles Difficulty, Taking A Page From Diablo 3

How Black Ops 6 Being Forced To Wipe The Slate Clean Led To Its Biggest New Feature

Terminator Zero Review - An Uneven, Engaging Return To Form

Berserk: The Complete 1997 TV Series Is Only $37 At Amazon, Best Price Yet

Diablo 4 Is Getting Diablo 2-Style Runewords So You Can Make Your Own Spells

Black Myth: Wukong Isn't On Xbox Yet Due To Sony Exclusivity Deal - Report

Berserk Volume 42 Honors Late Creator Kentaro Miura

The Art And Making Of Arcane Revealed, Preorders Live At Amazon

NBA 2K25 Has Early Access Starting September 4 With All PS5, Xbox, And PC Preorders

The Original TMNT TV Series Is Getting A New Complete Collection Box Set

Black Ops 6 Beta Issues Addressed With More Servers On Launch Day

Monster Hunter's Success Means Capcom Doesn't Need Dino Crisis, Resident Evil Creator Says

Black Myth: Wukong Update Aims To Address Crashing Issues, Unswitchable Stances

Netflix Announces Vince McMahon Documentary Series About Former WWE Owner

The Acolyte's Cancelation Was No Shock To Amandla Stenberg After "Rampage Of Vitriol"

Call Of Duty: Warzone Is Finally Returning To Verdansk In 2025

Lego Spider-Man Advent Calendar Preorders Discounted At Amazon

Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2, Episode 1 - Ben Walker Weighs In On The Galadriel And Elrond Feud

The Zelda And Link Mixup Will Get Taken To New Levels In Echoes Of Wisdom

Someone Already Set Off Black Ops 6's First Nuke At CoD Next

James Gunn Debunks New Batman Game Rumors

Next Jurassic World Movie Gets New Title And Plot Details

Deck The Halls With This Lego Chrismas Wreath

• Login / Sign Up

Our reviews of the latest and upcoming games, movies, TV shows, and more. If you want to see our favorite video games, check out Polygon Recommends .

The latest in Reviews

Most Popular

• Genshin Impact players are mad the devs improved the game
• Trap, A Quiet Place: Day One, Netflix’s The Deliverance, and every movie new to streaming this week
• With The Wild Robot, Chris Sanders finally set computer animation free
• Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere TTRPG becomes most-funded Kickstarter game ever
• With a fresh reinterpretation of The Killer, John Woo mints another action star

Patch Notes

The best of Polygon in your inbox, every Friday.

This is the title for the native ad

• The Inventory

Tips & Guides

Entertainment.

Grand Theft Auto Comes To Life In Punk Singer’s Alleged Crime Spree And High-Speed Chase

“Saint Anthony” is charged with leading police on multiple car chases, stealing a bike and trying to kidnap a store manager.

Avowed Feels Amazing, Monster Hunter Wilds Seems Incredible, And More Of The Week's Takes

Dustborn Developers Condemn ‘Tidal Wave Of Hate And Abuse’ Directed At The Team

We're Begging You To Play Visions Of Mana , And Here's Every Reason Why

The Words "Movie Set" And "Sable" Are Driving Millions Of Players Crazy In Today's NYT Connections Groups

Tips For Getting Started In Star Wars Outlaws , A Detailed Look At The Mass Effect Board Game, And More Of The Week's Top Pointers

You'll Literally Never Guess Which Group "Crown" Belongs To In Today's NYT Connections

Pick Up This Outstanding, Delightfully Weird Shooter On Sale

Trending stories.

11 Movies And TV Shows To Nerd Out With This September

The month begins with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice , probably peaks with The Penguin , and ends with the long-awaited Megalopolis

9 Games To Pick Up During PlayStation’s End Of Summer Sale

Gaze Upon The Majesty That Is The Mass Effect Board Game

Report: Ubisoft's Once-Popular FPS Is Running Out Of Time

Diablo 4' s Next Update Is Going To Completely Change The Game

Star Wars Outlaws

Massive Entertainment

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail

Square Enix Creative Studio III

FromSoftware

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Helldivers 2

Arrowhead Game Studios

Netflix's Next Big Event Is A Uh...Hot Dog Eating Contest

James Gunn Says 'No Truth' To Recent Batman Game Rumor

Shadow, Amy's Absence, And More The Internet Can't Stop Talking About From The Sonic 3 Trailer

Future Games

Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom Trailer Is Full Of Clues To Its Place On The Timeline

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6: Everything We Know About The Upcoming FPS

All The Cool Stuff We Spotted In The Star Wars Outlaws Story Trailer

Hands-On With Astro Bot : Pure Joy

Tv and movies.

Dustborn : The Kotaku Review

Visions Of Mana : The Kotaku Review

Star Wars Outlaws : The Kotaku Review

Madden NFL 25 : The Kotaku Review

The Best (And Worst) Xbox 360 Moments

Daytona USA Arcade Cabinet Was Hiding $400,000 And A Gun

Analogue Pocket Gets Extremely Limited-Edition Aluminum Versions For $500

24 Of Our Favorite Forgotten Games Trapped On The Xbox 360

Kotaku video.

PlayStation News

The State Of The PlayStation 5 In 2023

Here's What Kotaku Readers Want From A 'PS5 Pro'

The Best Xbox Game Pass Games To Play In 2024

Xbox’s Biggest Flop Was A Decade Ahead Of Its Time

Nintendo news.

The 26 Best Games For The Nintendo Switch

The State Of The Nintendo Switch In 2023

The Steam Deck Crushed It In 2023

Valve To Steam Deck Owners: Stop Huffing Its Vent Fumes

Industry news.

Bummer: PS5 Entering 'The Latter Stage Of Its Life Cycle,' Sony Says

89 Days Into 2024 And 8,800+ Video Game Layoffs Have Been Announced

Report: Microsoft Cancels Blizzard’s Survival Game Amid Layoffs

Ubisoft Wants You To Be Comfortable Not Owning Your Games

Best gaming deals.

Best Deals of the Day: Samsung, B&H, Adorama, Pattern Beauty, REI...

Fill Up Your Shopping Cart With Today’s Best Target Deals, Including Up...

Protect Your Eyesight With Zenni Optical Gaming Glasses

Say hello to all-day wear with OptiFlex glasses that are compatible with your favorite headset no matter how long you decide to get your game on.

Samsung Home Appliances, TVs, Phones and More Are Up to 35% Off for Labor Day

Transform your home with huge deals on the big-ticket items you use every day.

Editor's Picks

Latest Reviews

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) GA605 review

By Jacob Ridley published 30 August 24

The right stuff The 16-inch gaming laptop I'd pick from the lot.

AverMedia X'tra Go GC515 review

By Jacob Fox published 30 August 24

Streaming hub An all-in-one recording, streaming, peripheral-ing hub for handhelds.

World of Warcraft: The War Within review – A massive upgrade to the MMO's storytelling that's stymied by its endless grind

By Tyler Colp published 29 August 24

First step A new era for the 20-year-old MMO.

Crypt Custodian review

By Shaun Prescott published 28 August 24

Cat above This top-down metroidvania doesn't have any sweeping new ideas, but its good-natured charm and impeccable style make it a broomful of fun.

Concord review: Out of touch

By Nova Smith published 28 August 24

Failure to launch Concord's third-rate heroes aren't up to the competition.

Elgato Wave Neo microphone review

By Hope Corrigan published 28 August 24

Muted The Kanye West of mics: easy to get into but has some weird ideas and never lets me finish.

Age of Mythology: Retold review: Old school strategy, sensibly modernised

By Phil Iwaniuk published 27 August 24

Gods & Monsters Age of Mythology: Retold is still mostly a classic RTS, but the visual overhaul makes a big difference.

Star Wars Outlaws review: The most ambitious Ubisoft game in years, but still too safe

By Morgan Park published 26 August 24

STAR KID Ubisoft's open world Star Wars adventure succeeds at the little things, but not much else shines.

Keychron K2 HE review

By Reece Bithrey published 24 August 24

🪵 A marvellous wooden finish with all the benefits of the very latest Hall effect switches.

Elgato Facecam Neo review

By Hope Corrigan published 23 August 24

Eyes on me Always sees me in the best light but lacks focus. 8/10 boyfriend… I mean camera.

The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals

Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.

• 2 Best 14-inch gaming laptop in 2024: The top compact gaming laptops I've held in these hands
• 3 Best Mini-ITX motherboards in 2024: My pick from all the mini mobo marvels I've tested
• 4 Best RAM for gaming in 2024: I've tested the best DDR4 and DDR5 RAM to find the right kits for you
• 5 Best ultrawide monitor for gaming in 2024: the expansive panels I recommend for PC gamers
• 2 AverMedia X'tra Go GC515 review
• 3 World of Warcraft: The War Within review – A massive upgrade to the MMO's storytelling that's stymied by its endless grind
• 4 Crypt Custodian review
• 5 Concord review: Out of touch

Get the Reddit app

The Number One Gaming forum on the Internet.

Recommended Gaming review websites?

I used to exclusively use IGN for my gaming reviews, most of the time I could just put up with their BS reviews however with Battlefield 2042 I came to realise it's just gone way too far.

After bouncing from website to website I can't seem to find one that reviews honestly. Game Informer gave Shadow Warrior 3 a 7.5 which seems crazy to me. I watch Skill Ups videos a lot, those guys are definitely unbiased reviewers in my opinion but sometimes I want to read about games and gaming news as opposed to watching a 30-minute video.

Can anyone recommend a good review site that reviews honestly?

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue

• Privacy Certified

ESRB ratings provide information about what’s in a video game or app so parents can make informed choices about which are right for their family.

• Ratings Guide

Find out more about ESRB ratings, including Rating Categories, Content Descriptors, Interactive Elements and Rating Summaries.

Rating Process

Learn more about how we examine the content of a game and the context in which it’s presented to assign ratings for physical video games and digital games and apps.

• Where to Find Ratings

Make sure you know where to look to find ESRB rating information, no matter where you buy or download video games and apps.

The Control Is In Your Hands

It’s never been easier to manage the video games your kids play, with whom, for how long, and how much money (if any) they can spend. Parental controls are available on virtually all game devices to help ensure positive video game experiences for your kids, even when you’re not around.

• Frequently Asked Questions

The ESRB rating system was founded by the video game industry in 1994 after consulting a wide range of child development and academic experts, analyzing other rating systems, and conducting nationwide research with parents. ESRB found that parents wanted a rating system that has both age-based categories and concise and impartial information regarding content. With this philosophy in mind, today the ESRB administers a three-part system that includes Rating Categories, Content Descriptors, and Interactive Elements.

Since 1994, the ESRB rating system has established itself as a familiar, reliable means for parents to gauge the suitability of video games for their children. Although consumers may be more familiar with ESRB ratings on physical (boxed) games, increasingly ESRB ratings can be found for apps, VR, and online games.

The ESRB is one of the founding rating authorities of the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) , which administers a streamlined process for assigning age and content ratings to digitally delivered games and mobile apps. The Microsoft Store for Windows and Xbox, the Nintendo eShop, the PlayStation Store, the Google Play Store, Google Stadia, and the Oculus Store are among the digital storefronts that have deployed the IARC rating system, which facilitates the display of ESRB ratings on devices in North America.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHERE TO FIND RATINGS

The rating system is voluntary, however all console manufacturers as well as certain U.S. retailers and mobile or online storefronts require ESRB ratings for the games or apps they offer.

Publishers of physical (boxed) games carrying an ESRB rating are contractually bound to follow the industry-adopted Principles and Guidelines for Responsible Advertising Practices , including requirements addressing how rating information must be displayed on game packaging and in advertising. There are also certain restrictions on where ads for Mature-rated games may appear. The ESRB’s Advertising Review Council (ARC) diligently monitors industry compliance, and if a game publisher is found to have inappropriately labeled or advertised a product, the ESRB is empowered to compel corrective actions and impose a wide range of sanctions, including monetary fines.

Publishers of digitally delivered games and apps are strongly encouraged to provide consumers with clear and prominent disclosure of ESRB rating information as well as comply with the ESRB advertising and marketing guidelines.

Did You Know?

67% of the ESRB ratings assigned to physical and console downloadable video games in 2022 were either E (Everyone) or E10+ (Everyone 10+).

84% of parents who purchase physical video games for their children are aware of ESRB ratings and 74% regularly check them before buying a game. (Source: Hart Research Associates, 2022)

Most parents consider each part (Rating Category, Content Descriptors, Interactive Elements) of the ESRB rating system to be either “very” or “extremely” important when deciding if a game or app is appropriate for their kids. (Source: Hart Research Associates, 2022)

Industry guidelines, which are enforced by the ESRB, prohibit the inappropriate target marketing of Mature-rated games.

ESRB has an enforcement system which allows for the imposition of sanctions, fines (including fines up to $1 million), and corrective actions on publishers for non-compliance with its guidelines.

According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission 87% of kids under the age of 17 are turned away when trying to buy an M-rated game at retail.

The late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia wrote: “This [ESRB rating] system does much to ensure that minors cannot purchase seriously violent games on their own, and that parents who care about the matter can readily evaluate the games their children bring home.”

The E (Everyone) rating was originally called K-A (Kids to Adults) but was changed in 1998.

The ESRB rating system has three parts – Rating Categories, Content Descriptors and Interactive Elements, the latter of which were introduced in 2013.

Introduced in 2008, Rating Summaries provide greater detail about the content in physical games rated by the ESRB, and are exclusively available on this website or the ESRB mobile app by conducting a title search.

ESRB uses more than 30 different Content Descriptors to help communicate what’s in a game.

The FTC considers the ESRB to have “the strongest self-regulatory code” among media rating systems in the U.S. and has confirmed that retailers maintain a high store policy compliance rate.

Founded in 2013 by many of the world’s leading video game rating authorities, the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) administers the first globally streamlined age classification process for digital games and mobile apps that respects the unique cultural norms of each region.

In 1999 ESRB Privacy Online (now called ESRB Privacy Certified) launched its certification program and was sanctioned by the FTC as a “Safe Harbor” under Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

More than 70% of parents would be more comfortable allowing their children to download and play a game certified by ESRB Privacy Certified (Source: Hart Research Associates, 2018).

It’s never too late to have “the conversation” with your kids about what, when, and how they can play!

Activating parental controls on your children’s video game devices helps you enforce house rules, such as limiting play time, blocking games with certain ESRB ratings, and managing in-game spending.

The average gamer is 33 years old.

Need Help? Contact Us.

Keep up to date!

Sign up for email alerts and the latest news from ESRB.

Proud member of

• Search ESRB Ratings
• Most Viewed Games
• Recently Rated Games
• Ratings Process
• ESRB Retail Council
• Parental Controls
• Family Gaming Guide
• ¡Vamos a Jugar!
• Our History
• Contact Form

Search ESRB.org

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

• Master Index
• Console Reviews
• Portable Reviews
• Icons Explained
• Icon Statistics
• Fairchild Channel F
• Bally Astrocade
• Magnavox Odyssey 2
• Mattel Intellivision
• Colecovision
• Commodore 64
• Emerson Arcadia 2001
• Sega SG-1000
• Nintendo (NES)
• Sega Master System
• Atari 8-bit / XEGS
• Sega Genesis
• TurboGrafx-16 / CD / Duo
• Neo Geo AES / MVS / CD
• Super Nintendo
• Philips CD-i
• Atari Jaguar / CD
• Sega Saturn
• Virtual Boy
• Sony Playstation
• Nintendo 64
• Sega Dreamcast
• Sony Playstation 2
• Microsoft Xbox
• Nintendo GameCube
• Microsoft Xbox 360
• Nintendo Wii
• Sony Playstation 3
• Nintendo Wii U
• Sony Playstation 4
• Microsoft Xbox One
• Nintendo Switch
• Sony Playstation 5
• Blaze Evercade
• Milton Bradley Microvision
• Tiger Game.com
• Neo Geo Pocket
• Sega Game Gear
• Game Boy Color
• Game Boy Advance
• Nintendo DS
• Nintendo 3DS
• Review Feedback
• Video Game General
• Now Playing
• Classic Gaming
• Modern Gaming
• Reader Reviews
• Other Media

The Verge ’s gaming section brings the latest video game news, reviews of the most exciting releases, and interviews with the industry’s biggest names. We cover everything from PlayStation and Xbox blockbusters, to quirky Nintendo games, to the cool indie gems on PC and Android that you might otherwise miss.

Featured stories

Nintendo gets dark with detective game Emio

The new visual novel expands the Switch’s growing lineup of interactive mysteries.

Star Wars Outlaws is the solution to Ubisoft’s open-world woes

The game eschews checklists for more organic gameplay.

Itsuno says he will “start developing a new game in a new environment” beginning next month. He has directed some of Capcom’s most well-regarded games, including most of the Devil May Cry games, Power Stone 2 , and, most recently, Dragon’s Dogma 2 .

Check out Andrew Webster’s 2019 Verge interview with Itsuno , where he talked about his approach to Devil May Cry 5 .

It’s been a great summer for indie games — here are some of the best

The Borderlands movie hides its best ideas under painful jokes

Advertiser Content

It’d be tough for me to recommend a $1,000 Ayaneo Kun over a $800 Asus ROG Ally X , but one particular sticking point may go away — you can buy it (and the fairly weak Ayaneo Next Lite ) directly from Best Buy, making potential returns easy.

Ayaneo has lovely build quality. While its PC handhelds haven’t nailed battery and affordability yet, it’s one to watch !

Intel definitively claims its laptop chips aren’t crashing because of that voltage thing

Princess Zelda draws a sword in Echoes of Wisdom’s new trailer

The best Xbox controller to buy right now

As spotted by Aftermath , Supper Mario Broth, a wonderful X account about obscure Nintendo facts, has some important new rules for their posts .

In a post on X , Nintendo’s Japanese support account says the company will no longer offer New 3DS repairs because it has “run out of parts necessary for repairs.”

Nintendo Japan also plans to stop repairing the regular 3DS and 2DS once it runs out of parts. It recently stopped fixing the Wii U as well.

[ Nintendo Life ]

Sony’s limited edition Astro Bot controller is up for preorder again

Remember Steam Machines? EmuDeck founder revisits Valve’s TV console idea

The best Nintendo Switch controllers to buy right now

The Nintendo Switch is receiving a rare $30 discount

Remedy partners with Annapurna for Control 2 and potential film and TV adaptations

Mike Uyama has handed things off to director of operations Matt Merkle, who is now the majority owner of Games Done Quick, per a press release.

Uyama said last year that he planned to step away due to health reasons — he discussed that decision with my colleague Ash Parrish — but that plan was put on hold in part because of a health scare Merkle experienced .

We know the PS5 Pro is real and developers have been getting ready for it for months, but now Dealabs claims to have seen the packaging for the new console. It has created a sketch that shows it’s similar to the PS5 Slim, and this particular PS5 Pro model lacks a disc drive. An announcement is rumored for next month.

If you know anything about the PS5 Pro you can reach me confidentially on the Signal messaging app, where  I’m tomwarren.01

The best entertainment of 2024

Our guide to the most interesting games, movies, and TV shows of the year.

The Valorant -like shooter where you control two bodies will be available to play for free on Steam starting September 3rd .

Star Wars Outlaws is a perfectly fine open-world game set in an incredible universe

What Ubisoft’s new game lacks in innovation, it makes up for in fan service.

Bloomberg reports that Chris Barrett, a Bungie director who had been with the studio since 1999, was fired earlier this year after the investigation revealed multiple complaints filed against him by female employees for “inappropriate behavior.” According to the report, he made comments about female employees’ attractiveness and allegedly suggested his status within the company could help further their careers.

[ Bloomberg ]

Stardew Valley creator Eric Barone is open to it. Per a statement given to IGN :

One time we were playing and someone said ‘what if there was a Pam skin in Fortnite?’ And it kind of became a meme for us, like we were imagining us all playing as a squad with identical Pam skins. It was just a silly fun idea. Then someone asked me if I would collab with Fortnite and I mentioned the Pam thing. There’s nothing official in the works or anything like that, but yea we would find it amusing and fun if we were able to play as Pam (or any other Stardew character, really) someday.

Epic Games spokesperson Alex Fong declined to comment.

Update: Epic declined to comment.

Starting today , you can stream your Discord friend’s gameplay from your Xbox and even call them directly from the console.

Discord on Xbox will soon let you watch your friends’ streams

Amazon and bandai shutter anime mmo blue protocol.

The Resident Evil games on Apple’s App Store now require that you have an internet connection when you start them up, Capcom says . That’s a shame if you’re one of the reportedly few people who have bought Resident Evil 4 , 7 , or Village for your Apple device.

The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro has:

🛜2.4GHz wireless 🧲Drift-free Hall effect sticks 🦞Four customizable paddles and two extra shoulder buttons (for claw grip) 🔒Hair-trigger lockouts with mouse-like clicks ⏩1,000Hz wired polling rate on PC 🌈and RGB accent lighting.

I’ve been testing it for over a week and there’s a lot to love. Stay tuned for my full review.

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission.

Ryzen CPU owners can now download better gaming performance thanks to a Windows 11 update

That’s a real quote from our group publisher Chris Grant, who founded Polygon . Enjoy!

[ Polygon ]

At Remap , Patrick Klepek writes about The Game of Sisyphus , which is exactly what it sounds like.

[ Patrick Klepek - Remap ]

Among other things, the show featured behind-the-scenes looks at the hilarious Thank Goodness You’re Here and the beautiful Arco .

In terms of news, Time Flies and Despelote were delayed to next year, and Nour: Play With Your Food is coming to Nintendo Switch on August 29th.

Last year’s Chrono Trigger -esque RPG, Sea of Stars , is getting a free DLC, Throes of the Watchmaker , in spring 2025 on PC and consoles.

I really liked the game when I played it last year , so I’m excited to jump back into the game’s world when the DLC comes out.

That sound you heard was Goro Majima from Yakuza Kiwami , the final game on display during today’s Nintendo Partner Showcase. Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the first Yakuza game and it’s finally making its Nintendo Switch debut October 24th. Hopefully, the game does well enough that we will get the rest of the stellar series ported over to the Switch.

Castlevania’s classic DS trilogy is coming to the Switch

Civilization 7 will be everywhere, including the Nintendo Switch. During today’s Indie World / Partner Showcase, Firaxis showed off what Civ 7 will look like on the Nintendo Switch. Expect the same gameplay that will let you mix and match your civs and leaders and change civs as you go through history, but maybe temper your expectations on graphics. Civilization 7 launches on console, PC, and Mac February 11th.

Hot on the heels of Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection , Capcom’s gone back in their impressive-ass vault to pull out another collection of classic fighting games. Capcom Fighting Collection 2 bundles together eight games including Capcom vs. SNK , its sequel, both Power Stone games, and more. No release date yet, but expect the game to come out sometime 2025.

MySims is making a comeback on the Switch

The first two games in the epic RPG series are getting a facelift on the Switch, with a bundle that launches on March 6th. Just make sure to search for the full title: Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars .

In Date Everything , a new dating simulator from Team17 and Sassy Chap Games, your potential partners include appliances like your vacuum, household items like the humble bobby pin, and even concepts like existential dread. If dating and romance isn’t your thing, you also have the capability of just remaining friends. Date Everything arrives on Nintendo Switch on October 24th.

The good folks at Digital Eclipse have turned their attention to Tetris , with a new collection that explores the history of the iconic puzzle series. It’s launching later this year. Plus! The NES version of Tetris is also on its way for Switch Online subscribers.

It wouldn’t be a Direct without some surprise launches. Later today a few new indies will be hitting the Nintendo eshop: co-operative platformer Pico Park 2 , the Peggle -like Peglin , and the old-school action game Pizza Tower .

How Star Wars walked away from the world’s first self-retracting lightsaber toy

Anandtech shuts down after 27 years, the headphones that replaced my airpods, the ev evolution is going to take longer than we thought, the best wireless earbuds to buy right now, verge deals.

/ Sign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we've tested sent to your inbox weekly.

10 Best Video Game Magazines Ever, Ranked

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

10 Oldest Manga Magazines That Are Still In Circulation

Official playstation magazine rebrands after 25 years, game informer shuts down, thousands of articles lost.

For video game enthusiasts, game magazines have been a place where they can become aware of the latest news, such as who created their favorite games, the latest rumors, available cheat codes , and so much more. Back then, video game magazines could be found everywhere - just like how they have gaming websites today.

Manga have been released in magazines for years, and these publications have been dedicated to publishing these comics for decades.

But now, thanks to the internet, fans can instantly get all the news they're looking for. Thus, the readership of one of the biggest gaming magazines, Game Informer , finally fell off, leading to its shutdown after 33 years. While fans are mourning the closure of this great resource, here are the best video game magazines that have been ranked according to their popularity. They are bound to invoke nostalgia.

10 Tips & Tricks

Known for: cheat codes, strategy guides, and reviews.

• Launched : 1995
• Defunct : 2007
• Country : United States
• Publisher : Larry Flynt Publications

Containing a priceless section filled with tips, this video game magazine published a list of codes for varied games in every issue. The codes didn't just help players unlock new items but also helped them win challenging levels they might've been stuck on.

All the cheats listed in this magazine were valuable and of great help to gamers who preferred not to go through long content. Plus, this monthly magazine also offered strategy guides. However, it did not have a section dedicated to video game reviews and hence was never a major source of news in the video game community.

9 110% Gaming

Known for: engaging content, tips, and creative features.

• Launched : 2014
• Country : United Kingdom
• Publisher : DC Thomson

This gaming magazine provides vast content not just for devoted kid gamers but also for those who might not be into gaming yet, thus becoming one of the best video game magazines for children. Loved by gamers aged 7-12, the magazine's target audience is young readers.

Here, readers get a complete insight into popular games. By purchasing a subscription, they can improve their gaming skills and thus aim to become pros. Expert tips, tricks, and engaging stories are collected from real gamers and featured in every issue, along with fun posters and puzzles for kids . Most importantly, 110% Gaming is available in both printed and digital versions, thus making it a convenient option as well.

8 Game Players

Known for: exclusive game reviews and insider tips.

• Launched : 1989
• Defunct : 1998
• Publishers : GP Publications, Imagine Publishing

Known for his distinctive approach to video game journalism, Game Players was a gaming magazine that embraced cutting-edge designs, incorporating computer-generated images onto their covers. Its unique collection of game reviews helped the magazine to stand out, thus keeping readers up-to-date and informed.

The magazine also included comedic commentary, another feature that set it apart from the other options available on the market. Readers will laugh out loud while reading the pieces of content, all while also getting in-depth information on reviews and previews of the latest games.

7 Old School Gamer

Known for: focus on retro gaming and nostalgia.

• Launched : 2017
• Publisher : BC Productions Inc.

If readers want to reminisce about retro gaming , then this dedicated magazine will get them all up in the feels! It covers retro gaming and related culture along with an array of modern games that are retro-inspired. This way, it creates a connection between the past and present worlds of gaming.

Old School Gamer also provides information on the latest news and gaming reviews. Gamers will also be able to educate themselves on classic games and consoles - the magazine is ideal for passionate gamers who have a keen interest in the history and evolution of gaming.

6 Game Developer

Known for: in-depth industry insights and trends.

• Launched : 1994
• Defunct : 2013
• Publisher : UBM Tech

Perfect for video gaming professionals, this monthly magazine will help them stay updated on the latest developments and technical advancements in game development. It features everything related to the subject, such as programming, design, production, audio, art, and quality control.

In each issue, readers will be able to find reviews on the latest gaming tools and technical solutions that have been shared by gaming experts and industry leaders. Some sections may also feature strategies and tips for creating innovative video games .

5 Retro Gamer

Known for: nostalgic coverage of classic games and consoles.

• Launched : 2004
• Publishers : Live Publishing, Imagine Publishing, Future Publishing

As one of the most popular gaming magazines on the international market, Retro Gamer is the ultimate destination for fans of Golden Age gaming. Featuring regular and in-depth coverage of old-school games , readers can explore all the details and unbelievable facts about classic games.

The UK version of the Official PlayStation Magazine changes its name, adopting a new moniker that eschews Sony's name and branding.

Leading gaming experts spend their precious time and effort to carefully create well-written gaming articles every month to help new enthusiasts and nostalgic gamers become aware of the history of games. Plus, expert advice is shared not only by the most popular gamers but also by game developers.

4 Nintendo Power

Known for: tips, reviews, and exclusive nintendo content.

• Launched : 1988
• Defunct : 2012
• Publishers : Nintendo of America, Future U.S. Publishing

Known at first as Nintendo Fun Club News, this magazine caught everyone’s attention when it changed its name to Nintendo Power in 1988. With thoroughly dedicated content about gaming on Nintendo consoles , it featured attractive posters, strategy guides, maps, tips, tricks, and more. It also included screenshots of tutorials to beat NES challenges, which were more comprehensive than any basic text.

The magazine upgraded gamers' ability and inspired the magazine to use the tagline “Get the power! NINTENDO POWER!”. It is one of the most significant video game magazines ever developed and has been appreciated by gamers globally.

Known For: Cutting-Edge Graphics, Innovative Reviews, And Industry Insights

• Launched : 1993
• Publisher : Future Publishing

With its unique cover art and exclusive writing style, Edge could be compared to a high-quality photography magazine. But here, gamers will be able to get everything they need - leading gaming industry news, detailed reviews, and suggestions from experts.

The magazine also has sections dedicated to the technical aspects of gaming and showcases the most well-known games. To understand how great a video gaming magazine it is, enthusiasts should explore its extensive catalog, especially the early issues that played a crucial role in establishing its voice in the industry.

2 Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM)

Known for: exclusive news and in-depth reviews.

• Defunct : 2009
• Publishers : Sendai Publishing, Ziff Davis

Covering every aspect of gaming, Electronic Gaming Monthly offered a straightforward design style and an easy-to-understand review system that appealed to every gamer. Each issue contained high-quality articles, including reviews and previews, along with in-depth features, which were indispensable to the magazine's overall standard.

Gamers got a chance to read about games relevant to their consoles while also checking out more exciting facts about the games that they may not be able to play. Delivering one of the best cross-platform publications, the magazine's layout and design were great, and its entertaining writing style caught the attention of gamers.

Known For: PC Gaming Reviews, In-Depth Features, And News

• Countries : United Kingdom, United States

Every PC gamer will most probably be aware of this premier video gaming magazine, no matter where they are in the world. The magazine primarily features reviews and previews related to PC gaming but may also occasionally talk about games on other platforms such as Android, iOS, or console games.

All community updates and global news centered around PC gaming are part of its dedicated section. Every publication contains informative write-ups with high-quality pictures on a huge variety of topics that keep gamers engaged - this includes features on gaming culture and hardware as well. The best part is that it's quite reasonably priced, with subscriptions available at different price points, and it also has a digital version.

Groundbreaking gaming outlet Game Informer announces that it is closing after 33 years, coming as a shock to many dedicated gamers.