ARK: Survival Evolved is a widely popular action-adventure survival game developed by Studio Wildcard. Since its release, it has captivated players with its immersive gameplay, which includes taming dinosaurs, crafting, and building shelters. However, the game’s content has also led to varying age ratings across different regions. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the age rating of ARK: Survival Evolved and the factors influencing it.
Key Takeaways
- ARK: Survival Evolved has different age ratings depending on the region, with the ESRB rating it as ‘T’ for Teen and PEGI rating it as 16.
- The game’s content, including violence, language, and drug references, significantly influences its age rating.
- Parents can utilize in-game parental controls and server-side moderation to ensure a safer gaming experience for younger players.
Age Rating Overview for ARK: Survival Evolved
Understanding the age rating for ARK: Survival Evolved is crucial for both players and parents. This section will break down the different ratings given by various organizations and what they mean for you.
ESRB Rating and Its Implications
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated ARK: Survival Evolved as T for Teen. This means the game is generally suitable for ages 13 and up. The ESRB rating takes into account factors like violence, language, and drug references. For ARK, the primary concerns are its violence and gore, which are typical for survival games.
PEGI Rating and Regional Differences
In Europe, the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system has rated ARK: Survival Evolved as PEGI 16. This rating suggests that the game is appropriate for players aged 16 and older. The PEGI rating often aligns with the ESRB but can differ due to regional sensitivities. For instance, the United Kingdom follows the PEGI system, while the United States adheres to the ESRB.
Other International Ratings
ARK: Survival Evolved has various ratings across the globe. Here’s a quick look at some of them:
| Country | Rating |
|---|---|
| Australia | MA15+ |
| Brazil | 14 |
| Germany | 16 |
| New Zealand | R13 |
| Singapore | G |
These ratings reflect the regional differences in what is considered appropriate for different age groups. Always check the specific rating for your country to ensure the game is suitable for you or your child.
It’s important to note that the age rating can vary depending on the server you play on, as some servers may have stricter rules and moderation.
Understanding these ratings can help you make an informed decision about whether ARK: Survival Evolved is appropriate for you or your family.
Content Factors Influencing the Age Rating
Violence and Gore
ARK: Survival Evolved is known for its intense violence and gore. Players engage in combat with both prehistoric creatures and other players, often resulting in graphic depictions of blood and dismemberment. The game also includes scenes where players can harvest resources from dead animals, adding to the overall violent atmosphere. These elements significantly contribute to the game’s age rating, making it unsuitable for younger audiences.
Language and Profanity
While ARK: Survival Evolved does not heavily feature strong language or profanity in its core gameplay, the online interactions between players can sometimes include offensive language. It’s important to note that PEGI and ESRB do not rate online interactions, which means the game’s rating is based solely on its offline content. However, parents should be aware of the potential for inappropriate language in multiplayer settings.
Drug and Alcohol References
The game includes some references to drugs and alcohol, although they are not a central theme. For example, players can craft and use narcotics to tame creatures or tranquilize enemies. These references are relatively mild but still play a role in the overall age rating of the game.
Understanding these content factors can help you make an informed decision about whether ARK: Survival Evolved is appropriate for you or your family.
Parental Controls and Safety Measures
In-Game Parental Controls
Parental controls are essential for managing your children’s video game use, even when you aren’t around. ARK: Survival Evolved offers several in-game parental control options to help you create a safer gaming environment. You can adjust settings to limit communication with other players, restrict access to certain game features, and monitor gameplay time. These controls are designed to ensure that your kids have a positive and safe gaming experience.
Server-Side Moderation
Server-side moderation plays a crucial role in maintaining a family-friendly environment. Many servers employ moderators who monitor player behavior and enforce rules. You can also buy your own server for your kids to play with friends, which can be locked to prevent unwanted players from joining. This way, you can have more control over who interacts with your children in the game.
Community and Player Behavior
The community and player behavior in ARK: Survival Evolved can vary widely. It’s important to choose servers that are known to be family-friendly and watch for a bit before joining the game. Many servers have strict rules against inappropriate behavior and language, and they actively work to create a welcoming environment for all players. By selecting the right server and using the available parental controls, you can help ensure a safer and more enjoyable gaming experience for your children.
Conclusion
Understanding the age rating of ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for parents and players alike. The game, developed by Studio Wildcard, offers a rich and immersive experience that includes elements of survival, crafting, and taming prehistoric creatures. However, it also contains content that may not be suitable for younger audiences, such as violence, mild nudity, and the use of in-game narcotics. The age ratings provided by various organizations, such as PEGI and ESRB, reflect these aspects, generally recommending the game for players aged 13 and above. By being informed about these ratings, players and parents can make better decisions regarding the suitability of the game for different age groups. Ultimately, ARK: Survival Evolved offers a unique and engaging experience, but it is important to consider its content and the provided age ratings to ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for all.
