US ESRB age rating: Mature 17+
In the US, an organization named the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) evaluates games based on how much mature content they contain. Its ratings range from Everyone (E) up to Adults Only 18+ (A). Previously, all games in the Diablo series have scored a Mature 17+ (M) rating, which classifies the game [1] as:
"Generally suitable for ages 17+. Could contain intense violence, gore and blood, sexual content, and strong language."ESRB ·
Diablo 4 will follow in the footsteps of its predecessors and receive a Mature ESRB rating, given Blizzard's goal of returning to the dark and gory themes of Diablo 2. The game will contain decapitations, disintegrations, occult rituals, and more.
EU PEGI age rating: 16+
Similarly, the European Union has the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) organization. It's rated all Diablo games as 16+ [2], signifying the game has:
"Depiction of violence reaching a stage that looks the same as real life. Use of bad language in PEGI 16 games can be more extreme. Use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs can also be present."
Therefore, in Europe, Diablo 4 will carry a 16+ PEGI rating.
Can minors play ESRB Mature games?
In the US, it's legal for minors to play games rated as Mature by the ESRB; however, retailers may block the sale of said games to minors (parents may buy it instead). GameStop, the most well-known game retailer in the US, instituted a store policy to do age checks [3] (via, say, driver's license) on Mature-rated games.
TOPDiablo 4's age verfication
Upon visiting the official Diablo 4 website, Blizzard asks for your birthdate to shield minors from Diablo 4's mature content:
Purchasing Diablo 4 will also require the same age verification, as Blizzard abides by the ESRB's recommended age ratings [4]:
"If you're below the minimum age requirement, you'll receive the error message: "You're not allowed to access this content at this time". The message indicates you're restricted from purchasing the game due to the game's ESRB Rating."·
Xiphoid has been playing Diablo since the original's release in 1997. He made one of the largest Age of Empires sites in the late-'90s and early-'00s. Now, he runs MythicDrop.com, a premier Diablo 4 fansite.
Sources
| Article | Source | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | US ESRB age ratings for the Diablo series | ESRB | |
| 2. | EU PEGI age ratings for the Diablo series | PEGI | |
| 3. | GameStop age check store policy for Mature-rated games | GameStop | |
| 4. | Blizzard's policy on minors purchasing games | Blizzard |
Changelog
| Ver | Change | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Alpha | Added images for ESRB Mature and PEGI 16 ratings | |
 |
Alpha | Published original |
