Since the Interactive Digital Software Association (now known as the Entertainment Software Association) formed the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in 1994, the body has rated almost 15,000 pieces of software for consoles, handhelds and personal computers. Of those 15,000 products just 23 have been given the "Adults Only" rating (by contrast, over 9,300 have been given the "Everyone" tag.) To receive this rating, the ESRB states "Titles rated AO (Adults Only) have content that should only be played by persons 18 years and older.
Titles in this category may include prolonged scenes of intense violence and/or graphic sexual content and nudity." This differs from "Mature" rated games, which "have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language."
