Halo 5: Guardians is the first title within the main Halo franchise to avoid an M for Mature rating by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
Previously, all Halo games, apart from the strategy game Halo Wars and top down third person shooters Halo: Spartan Assault and Halo: Spartan Strike, have received an M for Mature rating by the ESRB and consequently a 16+ rating by the Pan European Game Information (PEGI).
However, this year, Halo has been awarded a T for Teen rating, which as Polygon states, is most likely due to the lack of a “Blood and Gore” content description.
While this may have little impact amongst the average gamer, within the realm of eSports, this seemingly small alteration could play a vital role in the revival of the iconic competitive first person shooter.
Although PEGI have yet to announce their own rating of the game, following ESRB’s guidelines, one can assume Halo 5’s content will be “suitable for ages 13 and up”.
Therefore companies, such as Gfinity, who adhere to the PEGI rating of a game when hosting an event, will be able to permit all eligible participants.
However, before we get too excited, I should point out that Gfinity have not made an official statement regarding their plans for 2016.
Will Halo 5 be on the screens of the Gfinity Arena?
There’s only one person to ask… @TheMartinWyatt.
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