The Elder Scrolls Online slapped with ‘Mature’ rating by ESRB, Bethesda disagrees

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has given The Elder Scrolls Online, Bethesda's upcoming MMORPG from developer ZeniMax Online Studios, a "Mature" rating. Despite the challenges posed with such a rating, Bethesda and the game's developers insist that nothing in the game will be changed as to achieve a different rating.

"While we may disagree with the ESRB’s determination, we do not plan to challenge the rating, and we are unwilling to change the game’s content to achieve a different rating. The game we have created is the one we want our fans to be able to play," Bethesda said in a post on the TESO's Facebook page.

"As a result of the ESRB rating, we are in the process of promptly updating everything with the required rating and age gates, including game trailers, web sites, and ads. Thanks for your understanding. We can’t wait to welcome players into The Elder Scrolls Online soon."

While Bethesda may disagree, I doubt it'll have much affect on the sales of the highly anticipated MMORPG. After all, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was also rated similarly and that was one of Bethesda's best games. From a gamer standpoint, this is probably a good thing as it'll give ZeniMax the freedom to create more mature content for players.

The Elder Scrolls Online will launch first for PC on April 4, 2014. The Xbox One and PS4 versions will be available some time in June 2014.