Is Assassin‘s Creed 2 Suitable for a 13 Year Old?

As an avid gamer and content creator focused on the latest news and insights in the gaming world, I do not recommend Assassin‘s Creed 2 for most 13-year-olds. According to the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), AC2 earned a mature rating of M for blood, sexual themes, strong language, and intense violence.

While ratings provide guidance, the decision ultimately lies with parents taking into account their child‘s unique maturity and discernment. This article dives deeper into key factors to help inform that decision.

AC2‘s M Rating Signals Content for Ages 17+

The ESRB assigned AC2 an M for Mature 17+ rating, indicating it contains content suitable for ages 17 and up. An M rating means the game may include intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, or strong language.

ESRB ratings provide broad age suitability guidelines that most experts recommend adhering to. Their researchers carefully evaluate each game‘s themes and content to designate ratings.

• Over 80% of parents surveyed rely on ESRB ratings to screen games for their kids
• But only 29% of parents could correctly define what M for Mature means

This data shows a need for deeper understanding of ratings, which I hope to provide around AC2 specifically.

Common Sense Media Advises Age 16+ as Well

Common Sense Media, an independent nonprofit that rates media content for families, also suggests AC2 is best suited for ages 16 and up. Their evaluation highlights mature themes surrounding violence and sex.

• Sexual themes include some nudity and sounds of sexual activity
• Missions involve assassinating targets in bloody, violent ways

As such, they advise parents to verify kids have reached the emotional and cognitive maturity to manage this content responsibly before allowing play.

My Perspective as an Avid Gamer

As someone who has played video games extensively since childhood, I encourage nuanced conversations around ratings and impressions of appropriateness.

• Ratings should act as a starting point, not rigid cutoff
• Open dialogue helps assess if a 13-year-old can responsibly handle mature themes
• With guidance and restrictions, some pre-teens may do fine with more adult games

That said regarding AC2, the pervasive intensity around violence and sex gives me pause at age 13. Very engaged parental involvement could make it feasible for some, but not all 13-year-olds.

Statistical Data on AC2‘s Themes

To provide further context, let‘s explore some data around exposure to violence and sexual content at young ages:

These statistics demonstrate how rapidly young teens gain access to and engage with adult themes. As such, AC2‘s violence and sex requires mature discernment.

Inappropriate Elements to Weigh

Here are specifics on AC2 content of concern to further inform your judgement:

Violence:

• Missions involve assassinating targets by stabbing, shooting arrows, brawling
• Blood sprays when killing enemies in brutal, graphic ways
• Players can hire courtesans and thieves to distract then kill guards

Sexual Themes:

• Main character has optional sexual encounters with female characters
• Brief nudity shown, sounds of sex heard
• Dialogue contains some sexually crude jokes/innuendos

Language:

• Multiple uses of words like "f*", "sh"
• Some derogatory terms towards women and minorities

Exposure to themes this strong could negatively impact healthy development around violence, relationships, and empathy at just 13 depending on the child.

Guidance for Allowing Play at Age 13

• Have an open discussion on the adult themes prior to play
• Complete the game yourself first to judge suitability
• Set firm ground rules around restricting inappropriate content
• Monitor playtime closely with regular check-in conversations
• Limit play if signs of behavioral issues or desensitization

Ongoing guidance, communication and evaluation is vital for allowing a 13-year-old to play Assassin‘s Creed 2 responsibly.

The Final Verdict

While you know your child best, AC2 contains themes requiring mature discernment likely beyond most 13-year-olds. Developmentally they may still struggle separating fiction from reality.

That said, some pre-teens demonstrate impressive maturity and self-regulation skills. With extensive parental involvement and precautions, Assassin’s Creed 2 may work for certain kids.

But use extreme discretion, as disproportionate exposure too early has risks. Rating guidelines place this game‘s content squarely for ages 16-17+, which I encourage adhering to in most cases.

At the end of the day, thoughtful assessment of your individual child‘s abilities is needed to determine appropriateness. An open, honest conversation together is the best starting point.