Here's Why TimeSplitters: Future Perfect Got A Ratings Change, 19 Years Later

As a dedicated TimeSplitters fan since its inception, I can’t help but feel a tad nostalgic as the game that once kept me awake for countless nights now has a new rating. It seems like just yesterday when I was battling it out with my friends in Future Perfect’s multiplayer mode, the adrenaline pumping through my veins as we dodged bullets and time-traveling foes.


Over the past two decades, I’ve been longing for more adventures in the TimeSplitters universe, ever since TimeSplitters: Future Perfect concluded the epic trilogy back then. Recently, eagle-eyed fans like myself have spotted something intriguing: the game, which was once rated M (Mature) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board in 2005, now carries a T for Teen rating on both the Xbox and PlayStation digital stores.

Initially spotted by a Reddit user, the altered ratings for TimeSplitters: Future Perfect were subsequently validated by other players as well. The online community on the site also pointed out that the ESRB’s official website continues to categorize Future Perfect as an M-rated game. As per the ESRB, the change in rating is due to their non-evaluation of the version now accessible on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Conversely, it was the International Age Rating Coalition that assigned a Teen rating for both platforms.

As a gamer, I’m excited to share that our site showcases the actual physical versions of the game released back in 2005 for GameCube, PS2, and original Xbox. Now, this classic title has been revamped and re-rated by IARC, paving the way for its appearance on modern consoles like the Xbox One and Xbox Series. The new rating on Xbox.com aligns with these updated ratings. It’s important to note that what you’ll find on these newer platforms is a digital version of the original Xbox release, offering the same great gaming experience. However, please be aware that our ESRB.org site only lists retail releases and therefore reflects the rating assigned for the original, physical release from about two decades ago.

It appears that IARC’s guidelines for content such as blood, gore, and violence differ from those of the ESRB. Consequently, a game previously rated M (Mature) by the ESRB is no longer suitable for modern consoles according to these new standards. To avoid any confusion, perhaps the ESRB could revise their rating system to better explain this discrepancy.

Read More

2024-09-10 15:38