What does USK mean? Clearly explained

You will find a sign of the USK on every video game. In this article we explain what that means and which game receives which logo.

What does USK mean: The age restriction simply explained

USK stands for "entertainment software self-control" and is a voluntary self-control of the computer game industry. The USK reviews each new video game and issues an age rating for it.

• Contrary to what the name suggests, the USK is not a voluntary control, but is now a mandatory procedure to bring PC and console games to the market.
• Since the amendment to the Youth Protection Act 2003, every game manufacturer has to place the USK rating clearly visible on the packaging of the game and on the data carrier.
• The games may then only be sold in retail to people who are of the minimum age specified by the USK.

This is how the USK tests video games

Every manufacturer can request an assessment from the USK for a fee. The individual video game then goes through an extensive testing process. This is the responsibility of the review panel chaired by the permanent representative of the Supreme Youth Authority.

• In the test procedure, the games are played individually by the USK sifters with the help of the publisher's solution aids. The classifiers then present their results to the panel of experts. The focus is on content relevant to youth protection.
• On request, the experts can also play individual sections of the game themselves to get a better picture of the game. Most of the experts have experience in working with children and young people and work as educators, social scientists, journalists or youth officers.
• Once the exam is complete, the game is rated. There are five different labels to choose from: Approved from 0, 6, 12, 16 and 18.
• Which age rating the game receives depends primarily on the intensity of the depiction of violence, the complexity of the game and other content harmful to young people.
• If the reviewers believe that the game is seriously harmful to young people or fulfills a criminal offense such as the glorification of violence, they submit the game to the Federal Media Testing Authority (BPjM). This then decides whether the product is indexed or not.

USK: These are the five ages

There are a total of five different age ratings for the USK:

• Released without age restriction: Games without age restriction are games that can be used by children and adolescents without any problems. This primarily includes family-friendly games such as skill and board games, sports games and platforming games. However, other games that do not contain any impairments for children from the point of view of the protection of minors also receive this release. This does not include simulations, classic adventures and some role-playing games that younger children cannot yet play.
• Approved for ages 6 and up: These are mostly family-friendly games that can be a little more exciting and competitive than the games without age restrictions. These are primarily racing games, simulations, platforming and role-playing games without violence. These games are characterized by higher game speeds and more complex game tasks.
• Approved for ages 12 and up: These games are already much more combat-oriented and can contain some violence. The game scenarios are in a historical, futuristic or fairytale-like, mystical context and there are sufficient distance options for young players. Realistic settings usually don't get this approval. This includes arcade, strategy and role-playing games, as well as some military simulations.
• Approved for ages 16 and up: Games with this age rating often show acts of violence. The target group also includes adults. Most of the games are about armed combat with a framework and military missions. The genres include action games, adventures, military strategy games and shooters.
• Approved for ages 18 and up: These games are almost exclusively characterized by violent game concepts and a dark or threatening atmosphere. The target group consists exclusively of adults. Genres include first person shooters, action adventures and open world games. The background of the respective story can be armed conflicts or brutal battles.

You will not find a USK rating for films and series. Instead, there is the FSK as an alternative.