TIGRS

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TIGRS is a video game content rating system for independent game developers. In March 2007, founder and creator, Daniel Kinney, revamped the ratings symbols to look more like emoticons. ^[1][2]

[edit] About TIGRS [From the creator]

"During a discussion on the IndieGamer forums, it was brought to my attention that many independent developers were looking for a usable and accessible content rating system for their games. After a lot of discussion, I decided to take it upon myself and design a system for the guys to use.

After many (many, many) hours of work, I came up with the first design and system. It was simple, elegant, and most importantly, usable by anyone without fees or restrictive requirements. The system was designed with the understanding of self-regulation among games developers and publishers. The ratings have no formal power and should be respected as such. Just like a dollar bill, these ratings have no inherent value. Their value lies entirely on their intention.

Some time after the first release of TIGRS, I formulated a more accurate, intricate system for developers and publishers to use. The new system incorporated a new design that clearly enumerated what types and what severity of content parents and discerning consumers could expect to find in the games.

Unfortunately, many developers and publishers were reluctant to use the new system because they felt it was too complicated and would only serve to confuse their customers. Additionally, because the new system incorporated a very strict formula to calculate the categorical severities, many developers disagreed with the ratings the system generated for their games and refused to adopt it.

In response to the critical outcry, I set about to create a highly optimized and effective new design and system that would appeal to developers, publishers, and their customers alike. Over a year in the making, the design was tested with many gaming and non-gaming audiences for appeal, attractiveness, and its ability to communicate clearly what the viewer can expect to find in the game.

Additionally, after polling several successful developers and publishers for their needs and expectations, the system was redesigned to be highly flexible and dynamically respond to their needs.

3 years of service to the gaming community and I'm proud to proclaim that this is just the beginning. Here's to many more years of responsible publishing by the independent game development community!" -Daniel Kinney Founder of TIGRS

[edit] Rating Categories

[edit] Violence

[edit] Cartoon Violence

• Mild Cartoon Violence - Depictions of cartoon-like characters in unsafe situations
• Cartoon Violence - Depictions of cartoon-like characters in aggressive conflict
• Intense Cartoon Violence - Graphic depictions of violence involving cartoon-like characters

[edit] Fantasy Violence

• Mild Fantasy Violence - Depictions of characters in unsafe situations easily distinguishable from real life
• Fantasy Violence - Depictions of characters in aggressive conflict easily distinguishable from real life
• Intense Fantasy Violence - Graphic depictions of violence involving situations easily distinguishable from real life

[edit] Realistic Violence

• Mild Realistic Violence - Mild depictions of realistic characters in unsafe situations
• Realistic Violence - Depictions of realistic characters in aggressive conflict
• Intense Realistic Violence - Graphic depictions of violence involving realistic characters

[edit] Bloodshed

• Animated Bloodshed - Unrealistic depictions of bloodshed
• Realistic Bloodshed - Realistic depictions of bloodshed
• Blood and Gore - Depictions of bloodshed and the mutilation of body parts

[edit] Sexual Violence

• Sexual Violence - Depictions of or graphic references to rape or other violent sexual behavior

[edit] Alcohol/Drugs

[edit] Alcohol

• Alcohol Reference - References to or images of alcoholic beverages
• Alcohol Use - Use of alcoholic beverages

[edit] Drugs

• Drug Reference - References to or images of illicit drugs
• Drug Use - Use of illicit drugs

[edit] Tobacco

• Tobacco Reference - References to or images of tobacco products
• Tobacco Use - Use of tobacco products

[edit] Sex/Nudity

[edit] Nudity

• Brief Nudity - Brief depictions of nudity or artistic nudity
• Nudity - Prolonged depictions of nudity

[edit] Sexual Themes

• Suggestive Themes - References or depictions
• Sexual Themes - Sexual references or depictions

[edit] Sexual Violence

• Sexual Violence - Depictions of or graphic references to rape or other violent sexual behavior

[edit] Miscellaneous

[edit] Language

• Mild Language - Mild or infrequent use of profanity
• Moderate Language - Moderate use of profanity
• Strong Language - Strong or frequent use of profanity

[edit] Humor

• Comical Shenanigans - Depictions of or dialog including slapstick humor
• Crass Humor - Depictions of or dialog including vulgar humor; bathroom humor
• Mature Humor - Depictions of or dialog including mature humor; sexual humor

[edit] Gambling

• Simulated Gambling - Player can gamble using "play" money
• Real Gambling - Player can gamble using real money

[edit] References

1. ^ Wilson, Mark (2007-03-14). "TIGRS Game Ratings: Tantalizing Overhaul". Kotaku. 
2. ^ Fundin, Christian; Pontus Madsen (2007-03-16). ""Tigrs"". Little Gamers. 

[edit] External links

• http://www.tigrs.org/