Rating Pending is a term commonly used in the video game industry to indicate that a game has not yet been classified by a rating authority. The word "rating" is pronounced /reɪtɪŋ/, while "pending" is /ˈpɛndɪŋ/. Together, the compound word is spelled as it sounds, with the stress falling on the first syllable: /ˈreɪtɪŋ ˈpɛndɪŋ/. This term is often seen on game trailers, advertisements, and packaging until a final rating is determined.
"Rating pending" refers to a label or certification given to a media content, particularly in the entertainment industry, that indicates an assessment of the material is still underway and an official content rating has yet to be assigned. This phrase is commonly used in the context of films, video games, or television shows.
When a piece of media receives a "rating pending" designation, it means that the regulatory authorities or the designated rating board are still in the process of evaluating the content and determining an appropriate rating to assign. This could be due to various reasons, such as complex or controversial themes, the need for further examination of explicit or sensitive content, or other factors that require additional time for assessment.
The "rating pending" label serves as a temporary marker until an official rating is established. It aims to inform consumers, parents, and guardians that the content has not yet been classified according to its suitability for different age groups or viewership. This designation warns viewers about the potential presence of material that may be unsuitable or inappropriate, advising them to exercise caution or wait for the official rating to make an informed decision regarding its suitability.
Ultimately, the "rating pending" status is resolved when the media content undergoes a thorough review, after which a specific rating (such as G, PG, PG-13, R, or others) is assigned to provide clearer guidance to the audience about its content and audience appropriateness.
The phrase "Rating Pending" is used in the context of video game ratings and applies to games that have not yet been assigned a specific age rating by a rating board. The etymology of the term is fairly straightforward:
- "Rating" refers to the evaluation or assessment of a video game's content with regards to its appropriateness for different age groups.
- "Pending" means that something is awaiting a decision or finalization.
Therefore, "Rating Pending" simply indicates that the game's rating is yet to be determined or is currently awaiting review by the appropriate rating board.