Update: DLC CAN have different rating

[merobb]

MTV Multiplayer (http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/04/18/update-esrb-does-allow-differently-rated-downloadable-content-if-content-is-optional/)

The ESRB contacted MTV Multiplayer this morning to provide some clarification on ESRB president Patricia Vance’s comments from the MI6 Conference.

Downloadable content can stray from the original rating, as long as the content is an optional downoad for the user.

--------------------------------


I thought this would make for some interesting news.


Now come on Harmonix! :D

[QueensoftheStoneAge]

By that logic, if they wanted to HMX could offer both the explicit and the edited versions of some songs. Would be a good thing for people who don't want to hear the profanity, yet pleasing to those who do.

[Dzhokhar]

The problem with this is that content that deviates from the 'core' rating needs to be submitted to the ESRB separately, while the ESRB seems to trust companies if they release content intended to have the same rating as the original game.

What this means is that M-rated content would need to be submitted to the ESRB before being released, requiring additional time and money compared to T-rated DLC.

[CCDaDon]

if HMX DID start putting out edited and unedited versions i think it would be a good idea to make a separate section in the music store for M Content to avoid certain people complaining(you know someone would...sad i know)

[anthony.kianvar]

So, I could have Tenacious D... :)

http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000068ZQV.02.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

[merobb]

What this means is that M-rated content would need to be submitted to the ESRB before being released, requiring additional time and money compared to T-rated DLC.

I realize that, but I think that it'd be worth it to wait an extra month or so if allowed us to have unedited lyrics in some of the songs.

[jamminjon82]

Proof please.

[FinalWarri0r]

What if you were playing online and someone had the censored version and you didn't?

[capndan]

both edited and unedited would be awesome...

[xxpigxx]

mmm

Tool - Aenima
Alkaline Trio - Radio
Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name

[Alvin_Flummox]

What if you were playing online and someone had the censored version and you didn't?

It would probably still work, but you would hear the uncensored version, whereas they would hear the sensored lyrics. Both versions would have the same data, but just play slitghly different sound files. :)

[FinalWarri0r]

Also, I really have no idea how singing works but...Wouldn't that mean people with the unedited version could have a higher score then people with the edited version because they have those few extra words in there? Not a huge problem just curious.

[depthdefy]

What if you were playing online and someone had the censored version and you didn't?

A completely valid point. It would probably just be easier to have the song as it is, and tack a M rating warning on the download. As long as there aren't too many M rated songs available, and they are clearly labelled to the consumer before they download them, there shouldn't be too much trouble with ESRB. A song like Killing in the Name would probably raise a few flags over at ESRB though. From a business stand-point though, it's in HMX best interest to avoid the hassle and just continue to edit the questionable lyrics.

[ezevthokie]

It clearly states on the game case "Gameplay may change during online play" or something to that effect under the ESRB rating. Technically, DLC is online play so the rating could change. I mean, I play NCAA football online, which is rated E by ESRB, but I play with friends and language can fly in the heat of the moment, making it probably M online. Just putting that out there

[anthony.kianvar]

Proof please.

click on link in OP's post.

[squiggerz]

It clearly states on the game case "Gameplay may change during online play" or something to that effect under the ESRB rating. Technically, DLC is online play so the rating could change. I mean, I play NCAA football online, which is rated E by ESRB, but I play with friends and language can fly in the heat of the moment, making it probably M online. Just putting that out there

Already tried that loophole dude, apparently gameplay and game content are two totally separate concepts/realms/jurisdictions/blah..

Kind of like saying a car is only as fast as the driver wants it to be.

[SirAhenobarbus]

Good stuff. Now we know that the censored/original lyrics decisions are HMX's choice.

[Abaddon]

The problem with this is that content that deviates from the 'core' rating needs to be submitted to the ESRB separately, while the ESRB seems to trust companies if they release content intended to have the same rating as the original game.

What this means is that M-rated content would need to be submitted to the ESRB before being released, requiring additional time and money compared to T-rated DLC.I don't think you're right; all DLC content must be submitted to the ESRB for rating. What, you think Harmonix just slaps a "T" on it and calls it a day? :-) So that is actually part of the part of the current DLC process.

I would wager that Harmonix sends audio copies of the songs in advance to speed the process, since only the audio really needs to be rated. But it's one more thing that makes the flood of weekly DLC since launch even more amazing.

[bonethug0108]

Awesome news, op.

Seeing as songs for rock band are OBVIOUSLY optional downloads, bring on the "M" rated songs(that are good).

Edit:
Where is headhunter, who tried to "rub it in my face" when the original article broke after the MI6 conference. Right back at ya.:p

[jcb231]

Couldn't content just be released as "unrated" thus avoiding the time-consuming rating process if they wanted to release explicit content?

Rating isn't mandatory, game stores just require ratings in order to carry the product. Live Marketplace could just agree to carry Harmonix's content without a rating, if they so desired.

[Magnet]

This is an interesting turn of events.

[jamminjon82]

click on link in OP's post.

Well fine then, I'll just carry my blind ass on home then.

[krammkracker]

Yay!

Bring on the F-Bombs!

[Lily Mu]

Wow, that would be epic.

[bdrizzle14]

No More Censorship!!!

[sidman69]

MTV Multiplayer (http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/04/18/update-esrb-does-allow-differently-rated-downloadable-content-if-content-is-optional/)

The ESRB contacted MTV Multiplayer this morning to provide some clarification on ESRB president Patricia Vance’s comments from the MI6 Conference.

Downloadable content can stray from the original rating, as long as the content is an optional downoad for the user.

--------------------------------


I thought this would make for some interesting news.


Now come on Harmonix! :D


are any Canucks worried about our sinking dollar may contribute to 2.99 songs again?

[bdrizzle14]

We're Not Gonna Protest!!! We're Not Gonna Protest!!! We're Not Gonna Protest!!!

[Der_Lex]

Holy threadmancy, Batman.