What qualifies as a "mature" game?

[thekitchensink]

F0X said:

NintendoPie said:

F0X said:

I agree, so it's time to switch directions. Mature content directed at a mature audience counts as a mature game. I won't doubt that. However, as I was just saying there are games like Metroid that aren't M-rated, but are directed at a mature audience (well, that's what Reggie said at E3 2010). What do you make of this? Can a game that isn't M-rated exist solely to appease an older audience? Moreover, does a game have to have M-rated content to appeal solely to an older audience?

Yes.

No.

But if the definition of a mature game depends on who should be allowed to play it (that is what you've said), would that rule out non M-rated games altogether? Because a game that doesn't have much, if any, mature content could be played by younger, less mature players... even if they are not the target audience. Or do you see my point of view- that a "mature" game is not so easily defined?

A game that's rated M for Mature and a game that actually is 'mature' are not necessarily the same thing.  Let me give three examples:

1. Gears of War: It is M-rated, but it is most certainly NOT mature.  It is a bunch of meatheads running around and shooting aliens, with the occasional wife dying to make it look 'deep'.  You have to BE mature in order for it to be suitable for you to see.

2. Heavy Rain: It is dark and suspenseful, and deals with biting themes of wanting to protect one's children and the deep psychological scars that can be induced by poor parenting.  This is an M-rated game that is certainly mature.  

3. Majora's Mask: An E-for-Everyone-rated title that is certainly mature.  Its content is certainly suitable for a younger audience, but it's not shy about the fact that its main themes center around misguided youth and impending doom.

 

So, we need to clearly define what 'mature' actually means here.