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Useful Notes / Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle

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Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle is Germany's most prominent video game rating system based in Berlin. It was founded in 1994. It considers itself to have the strictest age classification rules in the world. It gives games one of five different ratings depending on content. Retailers can't sell games with a high rating to people whose age is lower than that rating. Games without a USK rating are treated as if they are rated USK 18 regardless of content.

Its website can be found here (in English).


The age ratings USK uses:

USK 0

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/usk0icon.png

The lowest rating. As the name implies, games with it have no age restrictions and can be sold to anyone.

Games with this rating are directly aimed at children, family-friendly games and other games that don't require child protection laws of any kind.


Other rating systems' counterparts to this rating:

USK 6

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/usk6icon.png

The second lowest rating. As the name implies, games with it can only be sold to people six or more years old.

Games with this rating are still family-friendly, though they're usually meant to be more exciting or competitive.


Other rating systems' counterparts to this rating:

USK 12

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/usk12icon.png

The middle rating. As the name implies, games with it can only be sold to people twelve or more years old.

Games with this rating often have a competitive edge. They're also often set in a historical, futuristic or fantastic setting, allowing players to distance themselves from the events.


Other rating systems' counterparts to this rating:

USK 16

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/usk16icon.png

The second highest rating. As the name implies, games with it can only be sold to people sixteen or more years old.

Games with this rating often feature acts of violence, armed combat, framework story and military missions.


Other rating systems' counterparts to this rating:

USK 18

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/usk18icon.png

The highest rating. As the name implies, games with it can only be sold to people eighteen or more years old.

Games with this rating often feature violent content as well a dark and opressing atmosphere. Stories may have basis in war or battle between rival gangs.


Other rating systems' counterparts to this rating:

Alternative Title(s): USK

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