RP (Rating Pending)

How to read it

The ESRB says the RP mark appears “only in advertising, marketing and promotional materials related to a physical (e.g., boxed) video game that is expected to carry an ESRB rating”, and that it should be replaced by the game’s rating once one has been assigned. It says nothing about a game’s content. A related notice, Rating Pending – Likely Mature 17+, introduced in 2021, is for upcoming games that have not yet been rated but are expected to be rated M (Mature 17+).

Also searched as: rating pending.

Why it appears in advertising

Publishers of boxed games with an ESRB rating are contractually bound to follow the industry’s Principles and Guidelines for Responsible Advertising Practices, which include how rating information must be shown on packaging and in advertising. Publishers use RP in advertisements and promotional materials for upcoming games that have not been rated yet. Once the game is rated, the box carries one of the ESRB categories, from E to AO.