The ESRB recently marked its 30th anniversary with a unique celebration—a music video and single titled E is For Everyone. This unusual promotional effort highlights the organization’s role in video game regulation, using music to convey its message. The song’s release was meant to bring attention to the ESRB’s decades-long commitment to guiding both the gaming industry and consumers in understanding video game ratings.
The music video, initially garnering a modest number of views, features the song E is For Everyone, which has a quirky, educational vibe reminiscent of Schoolhouse Rock. The song presents the ESRB’s mission in a playful and catchy manner, despite its somewhat awkward tone. Its simplicity and nostalgia make it stand out, delivering its message with a peculiar charm that reflects the ESRB’s core functions.
With lyrics that appear to have undergone careful revisions, the song aims to align with the ESRB’s branding while explaining its purpose. The inclusion of details about the Advertising Review Council (ARC) adds an unusual yet educational element. The song covers topics rarely seen in musical formats, such as the role of the ARC in maintaining advertising standards for video games.
ESRB president Patricia Vance mentioned that the song was a collaborative project involving musically talented staff and composer Alex Engelberg. This celebratory project was designed to highlight the ESRB’s contribution to the video game industry over the past 30 years. The song, along with its video, is available on YouTube, with the single also accessible on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
The lyrics of E is For Everyone take listeners through the process of rating video games, explaining how the ESRB assigns age-appropriate ratings for different titles. It also touches on ARC’s role in ensuring that game advertisements adhere to these ratings. The song emphasizes the importance of privacy protection, particularly for children, and provides a lighthearted yet informative overview of the ESRB’s functions and services.
