In an unexpected turn of events, a peculiar racing game that puts players in the role of an intoxicated professional driver tasked with transporting alcoholic beverages has been yanked from the Nintendo Switch eShop shortly after its release, all due to a puzzling age rating issue.
The game in question, named “Need for Spirit: Drink & Drive Simulator,” is marketed as a “tongue-in-cheek racer.” Interestingly, it initially received a PEGI 3 age rating on the Nintendo Switch, implying it was suitable for all ages. However, the game’s subject matter makes it evident that such a rating doesn’t align with its content.
A “Parody” Gone Awry
Although the game’s description explicitly states that it is “a parody that absolutely does not encourage drunk driving in real life,” it’s clear that the game’s theme isn’t suitable for young audiences. On other platforms, like the Epic Games Store, it holds a PEGI 16 rating for “use of alcohol/tobacco.”
The game had previously been available on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store since late 2018. Its debut on the Nintendo Switch eShop on October 15 was met with confusion and concern due to the PEGI 3 rating. As a result, the game has been promptly removed from the store.
The Age Rating Conundrum
The PEGI (Pan European Game Information) organization, responsible for age rating assignments, clarified the situation. When they reviewed the game’s age rating, the discrepancy was evident, and the PEGI 3 rating was incorrect. In cases where the PEGI rating changes by more than one age category, it’s Nintendo’s policy to remove the game from the shop. The game must then be resubmitted with the accurate rating to ensure that parental control tools work effectively.
The age rating process for digital games relies on developers filling out an International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) questionnaire when submitting their games to digital storefronts. This questionnaire covers in-depth questions about the game’s content. A proper and honest completion of this questionnaire should provide accurate age ratings for various global rating systems like PEGI and ESRB.
IARC administrators also play a role in ensuring the accuracy of these ratings through manual checks, although this particular case with “Need for Spirit: Drink & Drive Simulator” has highlighted the challenges that can arise in the digital age of gaming.
The fate of the game on the Nintendo Switch eShop remains uncertain, as it’s unclear when or if it will return, pending an accurate age rating.
