gamepolitics: It's Official - Bully Gets a T Rating...

Game Politics (

gamepolitics) wrote,
@ 2006-09-14 10:58:00

Entry tags:

bully, esrb, ratings, rockstar

It's Official - Bully Gets a T Rating...

Just got word from the ESRB:

Rockstar's upcoming Bully has been assigned a T (Teen 13+) rating with content descriptors for Crude Humor, Violence, Sexual Themes, Language and Use of Alcohol & Tobacco.

Currently, on the game's official site, Rockstar is displaying an image of Bully bearing the familiar T (13 & older) rating.

There has been much speculation that the game would receive an M (17 & older), but we can put that to rest now.

(Post a new comment)

	zewrestler 2006-09-14 03:35 pm UTC (link)
	I don't know what to say. Except i'm surpised and glad and expect to see our good friend mr. jack-o attempting something soon. (Reply to this)

	van_x_51 2006-09-14 03:40 pm UTC (link)
	Cue Jack's press release slaming Take-Two and the ESRB for failing society and single handedly causing the end of western civilization in 3....2.... (Reply to this)

	Ha trenthowell 2006-09-14 03:41 pm UTC (link)
	i knew it, R* wins against JT's rantings again. Though the descriptors are usually what you see on M rated games, but then again those are more likely mild compared to it. Plus a normal teen usually puts up with all of those in one form or another in real life. This doesn't surprise me (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Ha zewrestler 2006-09-14 04:03 pm UTC (link)
	yeah, just watch fox. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	OT: Icon! kharne83 2006-09-14 05:54 pm UTC (link)
	Can't Break Snape's Stride! Sorry, I just couldn't hold that thought in anymore. =p (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Re: Ha grls_r_gamers_2 2006-09-14 08:47 pm UTC (link)
	Yeah, I deal with everything one of those content discriptors in school. Anyway, every time I walk into the bathroom at school, I choke on cigarette smoke. Every time I go to school, I see kids making out/scantily clad girls. Every time I go to school, someone gets the shit kicked out of them... OMG!!! WE MUST BAN SCHOOL! IT'S DESTROYING OUR YOUTH!!!!111!! (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Ha braindead1 2006-09-15 05:34 am UTC (link)
	I'm dissapointed. In my school we only have the hawt girls making out with thing. Not the crap beatings and smoke smellings. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	xwaix 2006-09-14 03:51 pm UTC (link)
	Nice to see that the ESRB didn't let themselves get bullied into giving it an M. If it deserved an M and got one, fine, but if it got an M rating and is comparable to other T games, that would be messed up. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	grls_r_gamers_2 2006-09-14 08:49 pm UTC (link)
	"Nice to see that the ESRB didn't let themselves get bullied..." Oy, puns... :P (Reply to this) (Parent)

	this seems as suitable a time as any mrpat___ 2006-09-14 03:53 pm UTC (link)
	(Reply to this)

nightwng2000
2006-09-14 03:57 pm UTC (link)

I hate to use a rather silly claim, but I had "predicted" that it would have been T some time ago. Even before Rockstar reported that there wouldn't be any blood or killing in the game.

It's really not a big surprise. The rating is, after all, based on the content of the game, not the perceived philosophy of the game.

And all you uninformed parents out there, be sure to look up additional information on the game at places like the company website, Gamespot.com, and check reviews in various gaming magazines. If anyone knows of more neutral, and even anti-, review sites, please share those with those individuals less informed.

Yeah, I know, why give the "neutral" or "anti-" information as well? For a COMPLETE, well rounded set of resources. Yes, it might make it a little confusing, but if people get the whole story, then they can make well-informed decisions. Not just decisions based on the pros or the cons.

nightwng2000
NW2K Software

(Reply to this)

	ianc14 2006-09-14 03:59 pm UTC (link)
	Pretty much the same as Aus and NZ gave it. Great news, imo. Of course some people wont be happy...... (Reply to this)

	This reminds me... mcfly0612 2006-09-14 03:59 pm UTC (link)
	Of an old Kids In The Hall skecth. I'll spare the details but there is a line in there that I think fits well..."If we call up the National Guard to protect us from a border collie we're gonna look like, oh, what's the phrase? Complete @%#*ing morons!" Well guess what, the National Guard just showed up to stop your border collie. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: This reminds me... dethtoll 2006-09-14 05:23 pm UTC (link)
	NOOO, NOT MIKI! :( (Reply to this) (Parent)

	djtyrant 2006-09-14 04:03 pm UTC (link)
	Good to see it get a T rating. I think they knew kids would want to play this game and made the content in the game appropriatly. Great marketing strategy Rockstar! ~JimmY (Reply to this)

	phantompvp 2006-09-14 04:04 pm UTC (link)
	All hands, brace for media impact. grabs a railing (Reply to this) (Thread)

	thefremen 2006-09-14 07:11 pm UTC (link)
	shakes camera and adds sparks in post production (Reply to this) (Parent)

	graphemes 2006-09-14 04:11 pm UTC (link)
	Had anyone actually bothered to read up on the game, this would not have been news. This is actually a very NON violent game, much to the dismay of JT, I'm sure. GG, Rockstar! (Reply to this) (Thread)

	bustermanzero 2006-09-14 04:57 pm UTC (link)
	Please, its obvious most people stop at the title. (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

	elixer44 2006-09-14 09:12 pm UTC (link)
	Yes it is, and that really scares me. It seems like if Rockstar just named the game "School" or something, we wouldn't have an issue. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Not particularly suprised. automancer 2006-09-14 05:34 pm UTC (link)
	I saw the screenshots and trailers and I really saw nothing that would warrant an M rating. As always, JT and others have been bellowing hot-air when it came to this game. Only the truth prevails. Sorry, Jack, but go home. -Auto (Reply to this)

	boredalot 2006-09-14 05:42 pm UTC (link)
	Cue the discovery of hidden minigame code and downloadable boobie patches! DUN DUN DUNN. (Reply to this)

	Everyone says blackmesaman 2006-09-14 06:37 pm UTC (link)
	http://objection.mrdictionary.net/go.php?n=1072194 http://hahasong.ytmnd.com/ (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Everyone says enmitywithin 2006-09-15 02:44 am UTC (link)
	you win the internets for using nightwish's "ghost love score" song. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Just wondering? blitzfitness 2006-09-14 07:09 pm UTC (link)
	I know information isn't exactly overflowing from this game, but I was surprised to see one of the descriptors as Sexual Themes. What exactly would that be alluding to in this game? (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Just wondering? blackmesaman 2006-09-14 07:12 pm UTC (link)
	A date with your girlfriend. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Re: Just wondering? ace_of_sevens 2006-09-14 07:19 pm UTC (link)
	The ESRB is much tougher on sex than any other rating system. That scene in the trailer where the cheerleader was hitting on Jimmy would be enough to get it sexual themes. I said a few weeks ago that the only way this would get an M is if the ESRB bowed to political pressure ala Hot Coffee, which I'm glad they didn't. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Re: Just wondering? dustin1986 2006-09-14 07:20 pm UTC (link)
	Want to go out with me? Check Yes or No. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Re: Just wondering? finaleve 2006-09-14 07:32 pm UTC (link)
	Probably the dialogue. From what I recall, there was a girl in the trailer who did seem to give off something like that...but that could be my imagination...besides, that happens in school anyways. ...and school....well you technically need to be a teen to go to high school...crap, the system does work. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Re: Just wondering? ianc14 2006-09-14 07:32 pm UTC (link)
	Kissing, maybe? You can "get the girl" after all. (Reply to this) (Parent)

Re: Just wondering?

trenthowell
2006-09-14 07:48 pm UTC (link)

The occasional girl that dresses like a prostitute maybe? You know there was always at least one in every school.

I've seen the Sexual Themes rating thrown around lightly before. All 4 of the original .hack games come to mind since all of them recieved Mature Sexual Themes rating yet was still T rated. I haven't been able to pin down where exactly that rating came from for that game. Strongest theories to why it got that rating is either Helba's near lack of clothing above the waste or Blackroses super skimpy outfit or a certain line said by one of the minor female characters:
(for those that don't know what i'm talking about)
The line: "Oh, are you sure? But I can't give you anything in return. Well... except maybe myself." (trust me you gotta actually play the game and hear this line to get the full scope of how dirty this one line sounded)

Blackrose: http://dothack.wikia.com/images/thumb/7/7f/Blackrosefull.jpg/300px-Blackrosefull.jpg

Helba: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ee/Helba_%28.Hack%29jpg.jpg/300px-Helba_%

In other words, I've seen the "Sexual Theme" and "Mature Sexual Themes" rating show up in T rated games before and those 3 things i refrenced to are very very light as far as "sexual themes" go. So I don't suspect "Bully" themes are going to be that serious.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Just wondering? gray17 2006-09-14 11:09 pm UTC (link)
	Yeah, I've seen "Sexual Theme's" show up on games before that had only a little flirting. A date with a kiss would almost certainly be enough to get that rating. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	dustin1986 2006-09-14 07:19 pm UTC (link)
	I'm not surprised. Bullies in school generally aren't that violent. What do they do? Purple nurples, indian burns, swirlies, and maybe a swift kick in the shin. A whole lot of groups are going to be upset anyway though. (Reply to this) (Thread)

Hate to disagree

odc100
2006-09-14 11:08 pm UTC (link)

Don't know what sort of school you went to, but in mine if you got on the wrong side of a bully you would tend to come around feeling very bad indeed. Quite possibly in hospital.

Of course these were the kids who could *really* hand out a beating, but also knew it and so therefore used to let their reputation suffice for the most part. There were a whole host of minor bullies but even that sort of stuff you were espousing was a bit tame. If someone could beat you and they thought they could in my school, they werent afraid to try on the most part. This was only 8 yrs or so ago, but also in the UK - things happen a bit differently over here in high school sometimes it seems.

That all being said, this title is cool by me. I was always on the bottom of the pile for most beatings just by being a pussy quite frankly - I didn't ever want to fight anyone. I think this title will give satisfaction to all those on the receiving end and not change a damn thing for those handing it out.

Tell a teacher, pfffft. If you wanted to get noticed defending yourself against the top dogs in my school you would have to do something so outreagous it would get you removed from the school. It was a bit of a lose lose situation.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

kurisu7885
2006-09-14 08:17 pm UTC (link)

This didn't surprise me in the least. I figured it was getting at least a T rating. Now we just need to wait for JT to sue over it. Hiw reason, well, MAd Lib it peopel. I'll guess that he'll claim there's a nasty limb cheat, a sex cheat or soemthing in the game. Now doubtr we'll see codes for infinite weapon usage, but that will only be achieved with an Action Replay device or a Gameshark. Unless Rockstar adds cheatcodes, but then again peopel will claim there's an option i nthe menu or something, which there won't be.

(Reply to this)

	is anyone surprised? enmitywithin 2006-09-14 09:07 pm UTC (link)
	I mean it's not surprising to me, in fact from what I've seen I would have been surprised if it got an M beacuse from what I've seen there's no nudity, no graphic language, just violence. (Reply to this)

eternallegenduk
2006-09-14 09:21 pm UTC (link)

The problem isn't the game, it's the author.

From the released literature, Bully is a game about a schoolboy taking a stand against the bullies, setting up pranks, and fighting the corrupt system set in place by the teachers. Picking on innocent kids sets the prefects on you, and one of the most dangerous weapons you can use is the sort of baseball bat you can find in any PE cupboard. It's a game about survival, keeping the peace (albeit in a violent way), and playing the good guy. It's a schoolyard version of a police game.

But wait, it's made by Rockstar. That means it's going to be about kicking pregnant teenagers to death and raping the corpses. Ban this sick filth now!

(Reply to this)

Dennis, quick question

yukimurasanada
2006-09-15 02:10 am UTC (link)

I don't know if you know this, but jacks been publicly broadcasting recent flordia bar related events, specifcly regarding you, and making personal attacks against you on joystiq as well, which has rasied some questions.

1. I know you are not required not advised to reveal any info about the FLA bar complaint you filled, but, since jack has done so, is he not in some way breaking the law?

2. He's now, on joystiq, posted word that your complaint was tossed out. Regardless of the result of the complaint itself, is not broadcasting it on a public forum a violation of law and bar practices?

3. has he made any further legal threats against you as a result of the above?

Don't feel obligated to answer these, but with him broadcasting stuff left and right, i would like to know the real scoop, or, at least, what your allowed by law to tell us. Thanks.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

Re: Dennis, quick question

gamepolitics
2006-09-15 02:47 am UTC (link)

It is correct that I received a letter this evening from the FL Bar advising that the complaint I filed in April was being closed out.

I'm quite certain Mr. Thompson is within his rights to speak about the complaint.

I've always refused to discuss it publicly as I felt that was not appropriate to do so. Bar guidelines for complainants strongly suggest that this not be done. What's more, it was not an easy decision to pursue the complaint. It is not something I wanted to do.

He is incorrect in a number of areas of that Joystiq post. I will leave it at that for now.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Dennis, quick question yukimurasanada 2006-09-15 03:57 am UTC (link)
	Thanks Dennis, thats all I wanted to know. Hopefully he's smart enough to drop the issue, before he ruins his aleady useless reputation with the bar, but I for one will be glad if he just leaves you alone. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	ryukisargi 2006-09-15 05:21 pm UTC (link)
	Well, I'd just like to say this. Media groups, you just got OWNED! Bahaha. Now I'm gonna buy this game for my friends little brother. (Reply to this)

	zippydsmlee 2006-09-15 09:19 pm UTC (link)
	We now know the rateign thats good but blood is already in the water and they will never shutup about it. (Reply to this)

	wright says theshroomguy 2006-09-16 11:13 pm UTC (link)
	http://objection.mrdictionary.net/go.php?n=1090624 (Reply to this)

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