ESRB ratings are designed to provide concise and impartial information about the content of computer and video games so consumers, especially parents, can make an informed purchase decision.
In a press conference held here on Tuesday Minaii noted that the program would be initiated in a ceremony held at the Andisheh Hall of the Art Bureau on Saturday, December 27.
A group of officials from the ministries of culture and education, and several computer games producers are to attend the ceremony.
Minaii added that the idea of joining ESRB was initiated last year and since then, 20 experts from different religious, psychological, social and media organizations have worked on compiling the project.
“Afterwards, several members of the Guardian Council and scholars of the Qom Seminary and different universities of the country did the final editing,” he remarked.
The first part of the plan is now ready and the next parts will also be completed through establishing this organization, he stated.
Minaii went on to say, “This plan will help families get better ideas about selecting games for their children and can set a good example for cinematic and television productions. It also helps support our domestic producers and gives better assistance to the distributors.
“Families can send a brief message through their cell phones to 20000700 and get the latest information as well as the ratings about new productions,” he explained.
ESRB ratings have two equal parts. The rating symbols suggest age appropriateness for the game, and the content descriptions indicate elements in a game that may have triggered a particular rating and/or may be of interest or concern.
He also stated that the foundation needs the assistance of other organizations to support national productions.
Based on reliable sources, sales revenue from computer games was over 40b dollars in 2007 and is estimated to reach over 60b by 2010.
RM/YAW
END
MNA