Are “mature” games actually mature?

[Super_Boom]

It depends. Ratings are made based on the content, though realistically the content isn't always the most appealing to its own audience. I've played M rated games that handle mature themes in an interesting way, and I've played M rated games that go super Edge mode with blood and sex all the over the place. The former I find appealing, the latter I find is targeting a demographic I haven't considered myself a part of in over a decade.

Of course, I wouldn't say mature themes always involve better writing; I've honestly played E and T rated games with more interesting plot lines than many mainstream M rated titles. Someone above mentioned "convoluted storylines" as something more likely to be present in M rated games...which kinda confirms the point in a way. I can honestly say such a thing holds much less value to me than a more naturally flowing narrative. This is something that I feel applies to movies, TV shows, and manga I follow as well (I've written posts here on the shonen vs. seinen distinction)....but I guess I don't need this post to rabbit trail any more than it has.

Anyways, I play the games that interest me, regardless of the the letter on the front of the box. If someone were tell me the rating of a game is directly linked to my maturity level, I can only offer them pity in return.