Why is Dark Souls II Rated T? Demystifying a Surprising Rating
Unlike its predecessors, Dark Souls II shockingly received a T for Teen rating instead of the expected Mature. As a longtime Souls fan, I was immediately curious why developers FromSoftware pursued this lower rating. After diving into the descriptors and researching the broader implications, it seems the choice may have been strategic for expanding the series‘ audience while retaining its signature style.
Comparing T and M: It‘s Not As Simple As It Seems
Before analyzing the specifics around DS2‘s rating, it helps to understand the critical differences between T and M classifications generally.
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), assigns age and content ratings for video games to help inform customers, especially concerned parents. Here‘s a brief comparison:
Key Takeaways:
- Mature allows more extreme violence, blood/gore, sexual content, and language
- But a T rating still permits dark/violent themes along with suggestive content
- There‘s no definitive line – judgment calls are made on a per game basis
So in theory, a Teen game could contain similarly dark and bloody combat to a Mature one, just presented slightly less graphically. This gave FromSoftware space to preserve Souls‘ flavor despite opting for the lower rating.
Behind the Scenes: Key Content Descriptors
Curious about the exact content that triggered DS2‘s Teen classification, I pulled the ESRB rating directly from their site:
Blood and Gore, Mild Language, Partial Nudity, Violence
Comparing to the first Dark Souls:
Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Violence
Very similar. Mild language was added, presumably some minor cursing. Otherwise the main descriptors are identical.
In their rating summary, ESRB noted:
This is an action role-playing game in which players assume the role of an undead character venturing through dark fantasy environments…Combat is frenetic, highlighted by cries of pain and large blood-splatter effects.
This aligns well with the Souls series – suggesting FromSoftware crafted an experience similar to past games but just below the threshold for an M rating.
Reading Between the Lines
Analyzing DS2‘s development and reception provides useful context around the Teen rating decision.
Some Key Data Points:
- Demon‘s Souls (2009) and Dark Souls (2011) both M-rated
- Fan feedback that DS1 was too hard, limiting its audience
- DS2 (2014) returned to same dark high fantasy world
- Slightly simplified mechanics, more accessibility options
- Reviews praised tension and challenging gameplay
- Still criticized as less cohesive than DS1
Theories on the Teen Rating Shift
- Appeal to players scared off by the M-rating‘s implications
- Attract wider mainstream audience outside hardcore niche
- Retain series‘ distinctive dark flavor/combat without cutting too much mature content
There are clear signs DS2 tweaked the Souls blueprint to widen its demographic versus just chasing the loyal fanbase. The T rating seems a strategic part of this goal – capturing more casual action-RPG fans while signaling to veteran players that the experience would remain relatively familiar.
What Does This Rating Mean for Gamers?
Ultimately the T vs M designation has little impact on players already committed to tackling Dark Souls II. More relevant is how the rating shapes public perception and audience expectations of Souls‘ uncompromising gameplay style.
A Teen label conveys that DS2 leaned slightly more accessible than its predecessors – but not necessarily much easier or watered down. Curious gamers on the fence may have felt more welcomed. Parents can judge individually if the darker themes seem appropriate.
For FromSoftware, it appears targeting a Teen rating struck a careful balance – lowering barriers to play while upholding the series‘ identity. The runaway success of recent M-rated Elden Ring however proves hardcore Souls still sells!
Hope this insider breakdown clarified the strategic rating factors around this excellent, if often divisive franchise entry. Let‘s discuss more below!
