Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (USK)

The Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (USK) is the organization responsible in Germany for the age rating of computer games. Its main task is to protect children and young people from harmful content in interactive games. The USK examines games and assigns age ratings (USK 0, USK 6, USK 12, USK 16, USK 18), which are intended to serve as a guide for parents and guardians.

The USK works on the basis of the Youth Protection Act and is supported by representatives of the federal states, the leading organizations of the film industry and the providers of computer and video games. The USK's labels are legally binding and must be clearly displayed on game packaging and in digital distribution platforms.

The USK's review process is transparent and based on clear criteria. It includes the analysis of the game content with regard to potentially development-impairing elements such as violence, sexuality, drug use and discrimination. The USK also takes into account the perspective of children and young people of different ages.

In addition to age ratings, the USK is also involved in promoting media literacy. It offers information and materials for parents, educators and young people to promote responsible use of computer games. The aim is to raise awareness of the potential risks and opportunities of games and to create an informed basis for decision-making when selecting suitable games.

The USK works closely with other youth protection organizations and institutions to ensure comprehensive protection of children and young people in the digital world. It strives to continuously develop its testing procedures and labels in order to meet the changing requirements of the gaming market and the needs of users. The USK sees itself as an independent and neutral body that acts in the interest of youth protection.

1. https://usk.de/
2. https://usk.de/en
3. https://usk.de/en/the-usk-age-ratings
4. https://usk.de/die-usk/arbeit-der-usk/wer-ist-die-usk
5. https://usk.de/en/home/services
6. https://usk.de/die-usk-alterskennzeichen
7. https://usk.de/en/home/age-classification-for-games-and-apps
8. https://usk.de/die-usk/arbeit-der-usk/welche-alterskennzeichen-gibt-es
9. https://usk.de/fuer-unternehmen/service-angebot-der-usk/mitglieder
10. https://usk.de/en/the-usk/faqs/what-is-the-usk