Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes rated Mature

Despite including ‘Sexual Violence’

Back in the day, we used to regularly post ESRB rating summaries that were humorous in their dry delivery or were otherwise notable. The listing for Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes has sparked discussion for its “Sexual Violence” content descriptor, which is generally described as “Depictions of rape or other violent sexual acts” and normally found in games rated Adult Only. Ground Zeroes is, as one would expect, rated Mature. Here’s the relevant section of the summary:

“The game includes an audio file in which a female character is sexually assaulted by male characters; while there is no visual depiction, sounds of ripped clothing and struggle can be heard. The words ‘f**k’ and ‘sh*t’ are heard in the dialogue.”

I’ll reserve judgment until I’m actually playing the game and have proper context. From everything I’ve heard of Metal Gear Solid V, though, Kojima is going to explore some rather tough themes, including child soldiers. I think we know what we’re getting into here, for the most part.

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes [ESRB]

The full ESRB rating summary:

“This is an action game in which players assume the role of an elite soldier through military missions in Cuba. Players infiltrate various bases and use pistols, machine guns, and rocket launchers to kill enemy soldiers. Firefights are highlighted by realistic gunfire, slow-motion effects, and large blood-splatter effects. Players can also employ stealth attacks (e.g., choking, knife stabbing from behind) and have the ability kill non-adversary characters/prisoners. One cutscene includes a depiction of blood and gore (e.g., a character’s intestines exposed during a dramatic procedure to remove an object). The game includes an audio file in which a female character is sexually assaulted by male characters; while there is no visual depiction, sounds of ripped clothing and struggle can be heard. The words “f**k” and “sh*t” are heard in the dialogue.”