Safety is no game.

Is your family set?

A Family Guide to Video
Games and Entertainment

MS_FamilySettingsBooklet.indd 1

11/2/2007 4:32:34 PM

Table of Contents
3

Overview

Get Set: A Quick Guide to Using

Xbox 360 Family Settings

Get Set: A Quick Guide to Using Xbox 360

Family Settings for the Online World

11

A PACT for Families

15

How Computer and Video Games are Rated

18

Get Set: A Quick Guide to Using

Windows Vista Parental Controls

20

The Language of Video Games

23

Other Resources

MS_FamilySettingsBooklet.indd 2

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Overview
Microsoft is committed to helping provide a safe and secure environment
ZKHUHHYHU\RQHFDQHQMR\WKHIXOOEHQHWVRIYLGHRJDPHVDQGHQWHUWDLQPHQW
Our goal is to help parents and caregivers with simple and straight-forward
information to help them make the right decisions for their family around
LQWHUDFWLYHHQWHUWDLQPHQW
As a continuation of our commitment to families, we are providing this
brochure to give you more information about the world of computer and video
JDPHV)RUWKRVHRI\RXZKRKDYHMXVWSXUFKDVHGDQ;ER[, this Family
Guide helps explain Parental Controls, called Family Settings for use on your
;ER[FRQVROH:HOODOVRJLYH\RXWLSVRQVHWWLQJXS\RXUIDPLO\VDFFRXQWV
RQ;ER[/,9(0LFURVRIWVJOREDORQOLQHJDPHVDQGHQWHUWDLQPHQWQHWZRUN)RU
WKRVHSOD\LQJJDPHVRQWKHLU3&ZHOOKHOSH[SODLQ)DPLO\6HWWLQJVRQ\RXU
:LQGRZV9LVWDRSHUDWLQJV\VWHP

A PACT FOR FAMILIES

We have created a way in which adults and children together can set
guidelines for media usewhether playing video games, watching TV and
YLGHRVDQGXVLQJWKH,QWHUQHWULJKWIURPWKHVWDUW,WVFDOOHGWKH3$&7DQG
\RXOOOHDUQKRZWRPDNHD3$&7ZLWK\RXUIDPLO\RQSDJHRIWKLVJXLGH
It is our hope that you will use this information, share it with your children
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All of this information and more to help families make the choices that are
right for their children is available at www.xbox.com/isyourfamilyset

Tip:

Look at what computer and video games

are in your home. Make sure they meet your
approval and are appropriate for your child
based on ESRB ratings.

MS_FamilySettingsBooklet.indd 3

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Get Set:
A Quick Guide to Using
Xbox 360 Family Settings
)DPLO\6HWWLQJVDUHEXLOWLQWRHYHU\;ER[FRQVROH7KH\DUHSRZHUIXOWRROV
that can help parents and caregivers choose the gaming and entertainment
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WLPH\RXWXUQRQ\RXUFRQVROH
The Xbox 360 Family Settings can help control the types of games and movies
that family members can play or view, based on their content rating, and they
can help families manage the amount of time each child uses the Xbox 360
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/,9(DQGWKHRQOLQHLQWHUDFWLRQVRQ;ER[/,9(
7KHIROORZLQJDUHVLPSOHLQVWUXFWLRQVRQKRZWRVHWXS\RXU)DPLO\6HWWLQJV
For more in-depth directions or for more information on how to control
interactions on Xbox LIVE, please visit www.xbox.com/isyourfamilyset

Tip:

Set rules on how often and when video games can be

played. Both Xbox 360 and Windows Vista have time
controls to help parents manage these guidlines.

MS_FamilySettingsBooklet.indd 4

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Choosing the appropriate games for your Xbox 360:

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6HWWLQJVIURPWKH,QLWLDO6HWXS6FUHHQ
,I\RXGLGQRWVHWXSWKH)DPLO\6HWWLQJVZKHQ\RXUVWWXUQHGRQ\RXUFRQVROH
\RXFDQVHWWKHPDWDQ\WLPHLQWKH;ER['DVKERDUG7KH;ER['DVKERDUG
FRQVLVWVRIYHVFUHHQVNQRZQDVEODGHV6\VWHPIRUFKDQJLQJVHWWLQJV
0HGLDIRUSOD\LQJPXVLFRUYLGHRVRUGLVSOD\LQJSLFWXUHVIURP\RXUFRQVROH
RUWKURXJK\RXUFRPSXWHUFRQQHFWLRQ*DPHVSOD\RQ/,9(IRURQOLQH
JDPLQJDQGQHWZRUNLQJDQG0DUNHWSODFHIRUSXUFKDVLQJRQOLQHFRQWHQWDQG
WU\LQJRXWGHPRV
)DPLO\6HWWLQJVDUHOLVWHGXQGHUWKH6\VWHPEODGH2QFH\RXKDYHFKRVHQ
Family Settings, pick Console Controls from the menu that appears and
WKHQ*DPH5DWLQJV
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DSSURSULDWH7KHGHIDXOWVHWWLQJLV$OORZ$OO*DPHV7KHVHUDWLQJVDUH(DUO\
&KLOGKRRGH&(YHU\RQH((YHU\RQH(7HHQ7DQG0DWXUH0
0LFURVRIWGRHVQRWSXEOLVKVXSSRUWRUHQGRUVH$GXOWV2QO\$2UDWHGJDPHV
RQHLWKHUWKH;ER[RU:LQGRZV9LVWDEXWLWVLPSRUWDQWIRUSDUHQWVDQG
FDUHJLYHUVWREHIDPLOLDUZLWKDOOWKHUDWLQJOHYHOV)RUDPRUHGHWDLOHG
description of the ratings system, please check out How Computer and Video
*DPHVDUH5DWHGRQSDJHRIWKLVJXLGH
Once you have changed any of the Family Settings defaults, you must set a
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Set Pass Code from the Console Controls screen and follow the on-screen
LQVWUXFWLRQV%HVXUH\RXZULWHGRZQ\RXU3DVV&RGHDQGNHHSLWLQDVDIH
SODFH$IWHU\RXYHVHW\RXUFRGHVHOHFW'RQHIURPWKH&RQVROH&RQWUROV
VFUHHQ:KHQSURPSWHGVHOHFW<HVWRVDYHFKDQJHVDQGSXW\RXUQHZ
VHWWLQJVLQWRHIIHFW

MS_FamilySettingsBooklet.indd 5

11/2/2007 4:34:03 PM

Choosing the appropriate videos for your Xbox 360:

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XVLQJWKH;ER[V\VWHPIRUWKHUVWWLPHIURPWKH,QLWLDO6HWXS
&RPSOHWHVFUHHQ
Go to the System blade and choose Family Settings, then Console
&RQWUROVWKHQ9LGHR5DWLQJV
Under Video Ratings, there are four choices: Movie Ratings, TV Ratings,
([SOLFLW9LGHRDQG8QUDWHG9LGHR
In the movie and TV categories, the default setting allows all rated movies or
WHOHYLVLRQVKRZV+HUH\RXKDYHWKHRSSRUWXQLW\WRVHOHFWWKHUDWLQJOHYHO\RX
GHHPDSSURSULDWH
For explicit and unrated videos, the default setting is to allow these types of
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,I\RXKDYHQW\HWUHPHPEHUWRVHWD3DVV&RGHWRSUHYHQWXQDXWKRUL]HG
FKDQJHVWR\RXUVHWWLQJV6HOHFW6HW3DVV&RGHIURPWKH&RQVROH&RQWUROV
VFUHHQDQGIROORZWKHRQVFUHHQLQVWUXFWLRQV

MS_FamilySettingsBooklet.indd 6

11/2/2007 4:34:19 PM

Get Set:
A Quick Guide to Using Xbox 360
Family Settings in the Online World
On Xbox LIVE, the online gaming and entertainment network of Xbox 360,
Microsoft provides safety measures to block inappropriate content and
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LQIRUPDWLRQLVVKDUHGHYHQZKHQSOD\LQJRQOLQHDZD\IURPKRPH
7KHIROORZLQJDUHVLPSOHLQVWUXFWLRQVRQKRZWREORFNDFFHVVWR;ER[/,9(
For further instructions, please visit: www.xbox.com/isyourfamilyset
To allow or block access to Xbox LIVE:
Start from the System blade of the Xbox Dashboard and select Family
6HWWLQJVWKHQ;ER[/,9(&RQWUROV
6HOHFW$FFHVVWR;ER[/,9(7KHGHIDXOWVHWWLQJLV$OORZHG6HOHFWHLWKHU
$OORZHGRU%ORFNHG,IDFFHVVLVEORFNHGXVHUVZLOOQRWEHDEOHWR
connect to Xbox LIVE to play games, communicate with other gamers or
GRZQORDGFRQWHQW

Tip:

Get to know the video games your kids play

and who they interact with online. Xbox LIVE
child accounts have the most restrictive
settings and are defaulted to Friends Only
for online play.

MS_FamilySettingsBooklet.indd 7

11/2/2007 4:34:35 PM

To create an Xbox LIVE account for your child:

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DFFRXQWVRQHIRU\RXDQGRQHIRU\RXUFKLOG+RWPDLO061DQG;ER[FRP
DFFRXQWVTXDOLI\DV:LQGRZV/LYHDFFRXQWV,I\RXGRQWKDYHWZR:LQGRZV
Live accounts, visit www.signup.live.com to set them up, or you can create
RQHIRU\RXUVHOIRUIRU\RXUFKLOGUHQGXULQJ;ER[/,9(VLJQXS

Tip:

Communication is key. Sit down as a

family and put your household media
guidelines into writing.

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WKH;ER['DVKERDUGVHOHFWWKH;ER[/,9(EDQQHU7KHQVHOHFW-RLQ;ER[/,9(
+HUH\RXZLOOHQWHU\RXUFKLOGVJDPHUWDJRUFKRRVHDQHZRQHLIWKHGHVLUHG
JDPHUWDJLVQRWDYDLODEOH:KHQSURPSWHGIRUWKHHPDLODGGUHVVDQG
SDVVZRUGDVVRFLDWHGZLWKD:LQGRZV/LYHDFFRXQWFUHDWHRUVXSSO\WKH
GHWDLOVIRU\RXUFKLOGVDFFRXQWUVW
Verifying a minors account:
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DFFRXQWDQGDVHFUHWTXHVWLRQDQGDQVZHUWRVHFXUHWKHDFFRXQW$VWKH
SDUHQWRUFDUHJLYHURIWKH;ER[/,9(DFFRXQWKROGHU\RXOOEHDVNHGSHUPLVVLRQ
IRU\RXUFKLOGWRMRLQ7KHQZKHQSURPSWHGFUHDWHRUVXSSO\WKHGHWDLOVIRU
\RXURZQ:LQGRZV/LYHDFFRXQW
,I\RXUFKLOGLVXQGHU\HDUVROG\RXPXVWOLQN\RXUFKLOGVDFFRXQWWR\RXU
FUHGLWFDUGWRYHULI\\RXUDJH<RXUFUHGLWFDUGZLOOQRWEHFKDUJHGDWWKLVWLPH
After all of this information is entered, you will have the opportunity to choose
the extent to which gamers in your family will have access to the many online
JDPLQJDQGQHWZRUNLQJWRROVSURYLGHGE\;ER[/,9(

MS_FamilySettingsBooklet.indd 8

11/2/2007 4:34:48 PM

Completing your Xbox LIVE account:

If you and your family are connected to Xbox LIVE, you have the ability to
FRQQHFWZLWKRWKHUJDPHUVWKURXJKWKH;ER[RQOLQHFRPPXQLW\;ER[/,9(
has built-in settings to ensure gamers are playing and communicating with the
DSSURSULDWHSHRSOH
,I\RXDUHVHWWLQJXS;ER[/,9(IRUWKHUVWWLPH\RXZLOOEHSURPSWHGWRVHWXS
the online game playing, privacy, friends and content settings for the gamers in
\RXUIDPLO\
If you are returning to your Xbox 360, you can control this access from the
6\VWHPDUHDRIWKH;ER['DVKERDUG6HOHFW6\VWHPWKHQ)DPLO\6HWWLQJV
WKHQ;ER[/,9(&RQWUROV6LJQLQXVLQJ\RXU:LQGRZV/LYH,'DQGWKH
FRUUHVSRQGLQJSDVVZRUG
7KHUVWWDEXQGHU;ER[/,9(&RQWUROVSURYLGHVSDUHQWVDQGFDUHJLYHUVDFFHVV
WRDOORZRUEORFNRQOLQHJDPHVIURPERWK;ER[DQGWKHRULJLQDO;ER[
To allow or block friends, text, voice and video with Xbox LIVE:
&KLOGUHQVDFFRXQWVDUHWKHPRVWUHVWULFWLYHDQGWKHUHIRUHVHWWR)ULHQGV2QO\
IRUFRPPXQLFDWLQJDQGVKDULQJFRQWHQWE\GHIDXOW7RPDQDJH\RXUFKLOGV
DFFHVVWRRWKHUJDPHUVVHOHFW3ULYDF\DQG)ULHQGV6HOHFW1HZ2QOLQH
)ULHQGV6HOHFWHLWKHU$SSURYDO5HTXLUHGRU$SSURYDO1RW5HTXLUHG
To manage access to voice and text messages sent online, choose Voice and
7H[WIURPWKH3ULYDF\DQG)ULHQGVPHQX&KRRVH(YHU\RQH)ULHQGV2QO\
RU%ORFNHGWRGHFLGHZKHWKHUDQ\RQHQRRQHRUMXVWDJDPHUVIULHQGVFDQ
VHQGKLPRUKHUYRLFHDQGWH[WPHVVDJHV
If your family has purchased an Xbox LIVE Vision Camera, you will be able to
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control access to video communication, go to the Privacy and Friends menu
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DQ\RQHRQ;ER[/,9(6HOHFW)ULHQGV2QO\WRDOORZ\RXUFKLOGWRFRPPXQLFDWH
RQO\ZLWKSHRSOHRQKLVRUKHUIULHQGVOLVW6HOHFW%ORFNHGWRSUHYHQW
HYHU\RQHIURPFRPPXQLFDWLQJZLWK\RXUFKLOGYLDYLGHR

MS_FamilySettingsBooklet.indd 9

11/2/2007 4:35:01 PM

Family Timer (available Dec. 2007 via Xbox LIVE):

Xbox 360 Family Settings help parents and caregivers ensure their children
SOD\WKHDSSURSULDWHYLGHRJDPHVDQGZDWFKWKHDSSURSULDWHPRYLHV1RZ
0LFURVRIWKDVDGGHGDQLQGXVWU\UVW)DPLO\6HWWLQJVIHDWXUHWKH;ER[)DPLO\
7LPHU:LWKWKLVWRROSDUHQWVDQGFDUHJLYHUVFDQQRZVHWXSKRZPXFKWLPH
HDFKGD\RUZHHNWKHLUFKLOGUHQFDQXVHWKH;ER[
To set the Family Timer, go to System, then Family Settings, then click on
)DPLO\7LPHU
:KHQVHWWLQJWKH7LPHU\RXKDYHWKUHHRSWLRQV'DLO\:HHNO\RU2II,I
you set it on Daily, you can select how long you want the gamer to have
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KRXULQFUHPHQWV
7KH)DPLO\7LPHUUHTXLUHVDIRXUGLJLW3DVV&RGH,I\RXKDYHDOUHDG\VHWXSD
Pass Code for use on other Family Settings, such as Game or Video Ratings,
\RXZLOOEHSURPSWHGWRHQWHU\RXU3DVV&RGHKHUH:KHQWKH7LPHUH[SLUHVD
pop-up will alert you to the ending of the session and offer you three options:
$GG0RUH7LPH6XVSHQG7LPHURU6KXW'RZQ&RQVROH,QRUGHUWRVHOHFW
the Add More Time and Suspend Timer functions, you will be required to
HQWHUWKH3DVV&RGH7KHJDPHUZLOOUHFHLYHZDUQLQJVEHIRUHWKHVHVVLRQ
H[SLUHVWRDOORZWKHPWRVDYHWKHJDPH
A PACT for Families
In addition to the Family Settings technology we have developed a new,
interactive tool to facilitate the discussion that families may want to have
about the rules for access to computer and video games and to video content
and access to the Internetwhether using Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE or any other
HQWHUWDLQPHQWV\VWHPVXFKDVWKHFRPSXWHURUWHOHYLVLRQ:HKDYHFDOOHGWKLV
XQLTXHZD\WRIDFLOLWDWHWKDWGLVFXVVLRQWKH3$&7
%\OOLQJRXWWKH3$&7ERWKDGXOWVDQGFKLOGUHQZLOOEHDEOHWRSOD\DSDUWLQ
GHWHUPLQLQJDSSURSULDWHPHGLDXVH,WVDZD\IRUSDUHQWVWREHJLQWKH
GLVFXVVLRQDERXWZKRWKHLUFKLOGUHQFDQLQWHUDFWZLWKRQOLQHDQGKRZ$QGLWVD
way for parents and children to discuss and put into writing guidelines for
ZKHQDQGIRUKRZORQJIDPLO\PHPEHUVFDQXVHWKHLUHQWHUWDLQPHQWV\VWHP
Parents and caregivers, please make a Family PACT with each child in your
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Additional copies of the Family PACT can be downloaded at:
www.xbox.com/isyourfamilyset

10

MS_FamilySettingsBooklet.indd 10

11/2/2007 4:35:10 PM

SAFETY IS
NO GAME.
IS YOUR
FAMILY SET?

MAKE A

PACT
TODAY!
For more information on Xbox 360 Family Settings and
Windows Vista Parental Controls, please visit
xbox.com/isyourfamilyset or
gamesforwindows.com/isyourfamilyset.


11

MS_FamilySettingsBooklet.indd 11

11/2/2007 4:35:21 PM

PACT6DIHW\LVQRJDPH,V\RXUIDPLO\VHW

P
A

ARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

7KLV3$&7LVPDGHEHWZHHQ

DQG
(Parent(s)/Caregiver(s))

:HDJUHHWRPDNHRXUKRPHDVDIHDQGIXQSODFHWRSOD\;ER[DQGFRPSXWHUJDPHVZD
:HZLOOWDONVRWKDWZHHDFKXQGHUVWDQGWKHJXLGHOLQHVVHWRXWE\
Par

CCESS
is permitted to use Xbox LIVE:

with adu

(Student)

$SSURYDOIURPDSDUHQWRUFDUHJLYHULVLVQRWUHTXLUHGIRUDFFHSWLQJRQOLQHIULHQGUHTXHVWV
(circle one)

6WXGHQWVRQOLQHSUROHVZLOOEHYLVLEOHWR)ULHQGVRQO\(YHU\RQH%ORFNHG
is allowed to receive voice and text messages from:

Friends on

(Student)

is allowed to use Xbox LIVE Vision Camera with:

Friends only

(Student)

Privacy settings activated on all game systems and computers:

C
T

ONTENT
is permitted to play games and watch videos with the following rat
(Student)

(65%*DPH5DWLQJVH&((7003$$0RYLH5DWLQJV*3*3*5
795DWLQJV79<79<79*793*79790$Ratings set on all systems:

IME

LVSHUPLWWHGWRLQWHUDFWZLWKJDPHV79PRYLHVRUWKHLQWHUQHWLIH
(Student)

LVSHUPLWWHGWRXVHPHGLDYLGHRJDPHV79DQG,QWHUQHWKRXUV

(Student)

LVSHUPLWWHGWRXVHPHGLDYLGHRJDPHV79DQG,QWHUQHWKRXUV

(Student)

Timer settings turned on for all game systems and computers:

PACT
AGREEMENT

2XUIDPLO\DJUHHVWRWKLV3$&7DQGFRPPLWVWRPDLQWDLQLQJDVDIHDQGKH
Parent/Caregiver Signature:
Parent/Caregiver Signature:
Student Signature:

MS_FamilySettingsBooklet.indd 12

11/2/2007 4:35:27 PM

\VHW"

Tips:

Complete, Tear Out and Save



(Student)

Xbox 360 Tip: Parents are encouraged to create

DXQLTXHSUROHFDOOHGDJDPHUWDJIRUHDFK
PHPEHURIWKHKRXVHKROG7KDWZD\SDUHQWV
can create different Parental Controls, or Family
6HWWLQJVIRUHDFKJDPHULQWKHIDPLO\

DPHVZDWFK79DQGYLGHRVDQGXVHWKH,QWHUQHW Xbox 360 Tip: Should you choose to sign up for

 ;ER[/,9(WKHRQOLQHFRQVROHEDVHGJDPLQJ
Parent(s)/Caregiver(s)
QHWZRUN\RXKDYHWKHRSWLRQWRPDQDJH\RXU
FKLOGVRQOLQHDFWLYLW\7KHGHIDXOWVHWWLQJVIRUDQ
;ER[/,9(FKLOGSUROHDUHWKHPRVWUHVWULFWLYH
with adult supervision

without supervision

HTXHVWV
FNHG
Friends only
nds only

Everyone
Everyone

Blocked
Blocked

owing ratings:
*5
stems:
Passwords set on all systems:

UQHWLIHJKRPHZRUNGRQH

KRXUVSHUGD\RQZHHNGD\V
KRXUVSHUGD\RQZHHNHQGV

DIHDQGKHDOWK\PHGLDHQYLURQPHQWLQRXUKRPH

Windows Vista Tip: Parents can view activity

reports to monitor what children are doing
RQOLQH*RWR3DUHQWDO&RQWUROV7KHQFOLFNRQ
User Controls followed by Activity Viewer to
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Xbox 360 Tip: To set the types of games or
videos permitted on your console, go to the
6\VWHPEODGHIDUULJKWZKHQ\RXWXUQRQWKH
FRQVROHDQGVHOHFW)DPLO\6HWWLQJV7KHQ
FKRRVHHLWKHU*DPH5DWLQJVRU9LGHR5DWLQJV
Once you have adjusted those settings, choose
6HWD3DVV&RGHWRVDYHWKHP
Windows Vista Tip: To set the ratings of
games permitted to be played on your
computer, choose Parental Controls and click
RQ*DPH&RQWUROV
Xbox 360 Tip: Set time limits by going to the
6\VWHPEODGHWKHQ)DPLO\6HWWLQJV&KRRVH
)DPLO\7LPHU
Windows Vista Tip: Go to Parental Controls
DQGFOLFNRQ7LPH/LPLWV
,QERWKFDVHVFKLOGUHQZLOOUHFHLYHDQRWLFDWLRQ
message that their session is about to expire,
DOORZLQJWKHPWRVDYHWKHLUSURJUHVV

Date:
Date:
Date:

MS_FamilySettingsBooklet.indd 13

11/2/2007 4:35:33 PM

Dear Parent/Caregiver:

Dear Student:

&RQJUDWXODWLRQV<RXUIDPLO\LVDERXW
to make a PACT to help guide your
FKLOGVVDIHW\LQWKHGLJLWDOZRUOG
With your guidance, your family can
enjoy various forms of entertainment
as a fun and balanced part of their
HGXFDWLRQDQGGHYHORSPHQW

We want you to play video games,

watch TV and movies and use
the Internet in a fun and safe
HQYLURQPHQW

Microsoft encourages all families

to make a PACTto spell out what
types of media are appropriate for
each child and where, when and how
\RXUFKLOGPD\XVHWKHP
With a PACT your family will agree
upon:
Parental involvement:KRZLOOVHW
WKHJXLGHOLQHV"
Access:LWKZKRPFDQ\RXUFKLOG
LQWHUDFWZKLOHRQOLQH"
Content:KDWJDPHVDQGYLGHRV
can your child use, based on their
UDWLQJVDQGWKHFRQWHQWWKH\LQFOXGH"

<RXUIDPLO\LVLQWHUHVWHGLQ\RXU
health and safety, too not to
PHQWLRQ\RXUSHUIRUPDQFHLQVFKRRO
7KDWVZK\ZHYHFUHDWHGDXQLTXH
ZD\WRPDNHVXUH\RXUHSOD\LQJWKH
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,WVFDOOHGD3$&7DQGLWVDZD\\RX
and your family can discuss what
type of games and videos you can use
DQGZKHQ\RXFDQXVHWKHP
The PACT is all about you and how
much fun you can have while staying
VDIH
6RZKDWDUH\RXZDLWLQJIRU"0DNHD
3$&7WRGD\
Sincerely,
Robbie

Time:KHQDQGKRZORQJFDQ\RXU
FKLOGXVHDFRQVROH79RUFRPSXWHU"
Setting guidelines is key to promoting
healthy habits in front of the screen
whether playing computer and
video games, watching TV or using
WKH,QWHUQHW*XLGHOLQHVZRUNEHVW
when they are clear, comprehensive
and agreed to by all members of the
IDPLO\
To that end, Microsoft has equipped
both Xbox 360 and Windows Vista
with built-in controls for parents to
decide appropriate media use, called
)DPLO\6HWWLQJV1H[WWRHDFKDVSHFW
RIWKLV3$&7\RXOOQGDWLSRQKRZ
to program those settings in your
Xbox 360 console or for Windows
9LVWDJDPHV
0DNHD3$&7WRGD\
Sincerely,
5REELH%DFK3UHVLGHQW0LFURVRIWV
Entertainment & Devices Division

14

MS_FamilySettingsBooklet.indd 14

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How Computer and

Video Games are Rated
Computer and video games are rated by an independent, self-regulatory body
FDOOHGWKH(QWHUWDLQPHQW6RIWZDUH5DWLQJ%RDUG(65%7KLVRUJDQL]DWLRQDOVR
enforces advertising guidelines and oversees privacy issues in the video game
LQGXVWU\7RJHWDJDPHFHUWLHGZLWKDQ(65%UDWLQJJDPHSXEOLVKHUVVXEPLW
UHVSRQVHVWRDGHWDLOHG(65%TXHVWLRQQDLUHRIWHQVXSSOHPHQWLQJVXFK
UHVSRQVHVZLWKO\ULFVKHHWVVFULSWVHWFVSHFLI\LQJWKHJDPHVH[DFWFRQWHQW
Along with the written submission materials, publishers must provide a
videotape capturing all pertinent content, with the most extreme instances,
across all relevant categories, including violence, language, sex, controlled
VXEVWDQFHVDQGJDPEOLQJ
Once the submission is checked by ESRB, the video footage is independently
UHYLHZHGE\WKUHHRUPRUHVSHFLDOO\WUDLQHGJDPHUDWHUV7KHJDPHSXEOLVKHU
PD\HLWKHUDFFHSWWKHUDWLQJDVQDORUUHYLVHWKHJDPHVFRQWHQWDQGUHVXEPLW
WKHJDPHWRWKH(65%DWZKLFKWLPHWKHSURFHVVVWDUWVDQHZ

Tip:

Have a conversation with your

children about which types of
YLGHRJDPHV\RXQGDSSURSULDWH
and how you came to that decision.

15

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(65%5$7,1*6
The ESRB rating icons are registered trademarks of the Entertainment
6RIWZDUH$VVRFLDWLRQ




 
 




 


Early
Childhood

Titles rated EC (Early Childhood) have content that

may be suitable for ages 3 and older. Contains no
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Everyone

Titles rated E (Everyone) have content that may be

suitable for ages 6 and older. Titles in this category
may contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild
violence and/or infrequent use of mild language.

Everyone
10+

Titles rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) have

content that may be suitable for ages 10 and older.
Titles in this category may contain more cartoon,
fantasy or mild violence, mild language and/or
minimal suggestive themes.

Teen

Titles rated T (Teen) have content that may be

suitable for ages 13 and older. Titles in this
category may contain violence, suggestive themes,
crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling,
and/or infrequent use of strong language.

Mature

Titles rated M (Mature) 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.

Adults
Only

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.

Rating
Pending

Titles listed as RP (Rating Pending) have been

VXEPLWWHGWRWKH(65%DQGDUHDZDLWLQJQDO
rating. (This symbol appears only in advertising
prior to a games release.)

To get a complete understanding of the content in a game, be sure to look at

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content descriptors that triggered that ratingfrom comic mischief to
VLPXODWHGJDPEOLQJRQWKHEDFN
For more information on the ESRB ratings and content descriptors, please visit
www.esrb.org

16

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03$$),/05$7,1*6
0RVWRI\RXDUHIDPLOLDUZLWKWKH0RWLRQ3LFWXUH$VVRFLDWLRQRI$PHULFD03$$
ratings, but for more information, please visit www.mpaa.org/index.asp

MPAA FILM RATINGS

General
Audiences

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language, nudity and sex, violence, etc. that would,
in the view of the Rating Board, be offensive to
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Parental
Guidance
Suggested

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parents before they let their children view it. The
label PG plainly states parents may consider some
material unsuitable for their children, but leaves
the parent to make the decision.

Parents
Strongly
Cautioned

$3*OPLVRQHZKLFKLQWKHYLHZRIWKH
Rating Board, leaps beyond the boundaries of the
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restricted R category.

Restricted

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3DUHQWVDUHVWURQJO\XUJHGWRQGRXWPRUHDERXW
WKLVOPEHIRUHWKH\DOORZWKHLUFKLOGUHQWRYLHZLW

NC-17

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patently too adult for their youngsters under 17.
No children will be admitted at the movie theaters.

17

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Get Set:
A Quick Guide to Using
Windows Vista Parental Controls
:LQGRZV9LVWD3DUHQWDO&RQWUROVHQDEOHVSDUHQWVWRWDLORUWKHLUFKLOGUHQV
JDPHVH[SHULHQFHVKHOSLQJDYRLGFRQWHQWWKH\GHHPLQDSSURSULDWH3DUHQWV
FDQSHUPLWDFFHVVWRJDPHVE\VSHFLFW\SHVRIFRQWHQWE\UDWLQJVRUHYHQE\
specifying certain times of day that users have access to the computer with a
VFKHGXOLQJWRROHJQRJDPHVDIWHUSP
The Microsoft Games for Windows Web site at www.gamesforwindows.
com/isyourfamilyset has an article with tips for determining if a game is
DSSURSULDWH<RXFDQDOVRXVHWKH:LQGRZV*DPH$GYLVRUWRKHOS\RXPDNH
VHQVHRIDOOWKHJDPHVDYDLODEOHIRU:LQGRZV%\HQWHULQJDQDJHUDQJHDQGD
genre of games, the Game Advisor will provide a list of age-appropriate
FRQWHQWEDVHGRQ(65%UDWLQJV,WZLOODOVRSURYLGHGLUHFWOLQNVWRJDPHWLWOH
Web sites that offer opportunities to view footage, or possibly, participate in a
WULDORIWKHJDPH
To access Windows Vista Parental Controls, please:
 Click on the Windows Vista Start button at the lower left to open the
  6WDUWPHQX
 &OLFNRQWKH,QVWDQW6HDUFKHOGDQGHQWHUSDUWRVHDUFKIRU
  3DUHQWDO&RQWUROV
 &OLFN3DUHQWDO&RQWUROVWRRSHQWKHVHWWLQJV
 &OLFN&UHDWHDQHZXVHUDFFRXQW
 &OLFNWKHWHVWHOGWRHQWHUDXVHUQDPH
 &OLFN&UHDWH$FFRXQW
At this point, parents will be given choices to control a variety of
content and times including:
Web Content
By clicking on the box that indicates which material should be blocked, parents
can help prevent their children from accessing a variety of Web content,
LQFOXGLQJSRUQRJUDSK\DQGPDWXUHFRQWHQW
Computer Games
Parents can restrict the types of computer games played based on two criteria:
WKHLU(65%UDWLQJDQGLWVFRQWHQW%\DFFHVVLQJ*DPH&RQWUROVLQWKH3DUHQWDO
Controls, parents can block games that are either too mature or have
REMHFWLRQDEOHFRQWHQW

18

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Time Limits
3DUHQWVFDQDOVRKHOSSUHYHQWFKLOGUHQIURPXVLQJWKHFRPSXWHUDWVSHFLF
WLPHVE\VLPSO\DFFHVVLQJWKH7LPH/LPLWVIXQFWLRQ8VLQJDQHDV\WR
understand schedule, parents can set when the computer can be used and for
KRZORQJ&KLOGUHQUHFHLYHDQRWLFDWLRQPHVVDJHWKDWWKHLUVHVVLRQLVDERXWWR
H[SLUHZKLFKDOORZVWKHPWRVDYHWKHLUZRUNVRQRGDWDLVORVW
Finally, parents can also review activity reports to monitor what their children
DUHVHHLQJDQGGRLQJDQGWRUHQHWKHXVHRI3DUHQWDO&RQWUROV7KLVLV
accomplished by viewing the Activity Viewer in the User Controls section
RI3DUHQWDO&RQWUROV
When considering a new game, be sure to look for the Games for Windows
EUDQGRQWKHER[7KLVPHDQVWKDWWKHJDPHGHOLYHUVWKHKLJKHVWTXDOLW\
JDPLQJH[SHULHQFHSRVVLEOHRQD:LQGRZV9LVWDEDVHG3&*DPHVIHDWXULQJ
the Games for Windows branding take advantage of the new gaming features
LQ:LQGRZV9LVWDLQFOXGLQJIXOOVXSSRUWRI)DPLO\6HWWLQJV
<RXFDQEHVXUHWKDW\RXUJDPHZLOOWDNHDGYDQWDJHRIQHZ)DPLO\6HWWLQJVLQ
:LQGRZV9LVWDZKHQLWEHDUVWKH*DPHVIRU:LQGRZVEUDQG

Tip:

Teach your children that they should

immediately tell you if anyone online makes
them feel uncomfortable and can do so
without fear of getting into trouble or losing
video game playing privileges.

19

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The Language of Video Games

If you want to help protect your kids while they play video games, you need to
NQRZZKDWWKH\UHWDONLQJDERXW/LNHDQ\RWKHUODQJXDJHWKHODQJXDJHRI
FRPSXWHUDQGYLGHRJDPHVLVFRQVWDQWO\HYROYLQJ
This list will give you an idea of some of the terms used not only by video
JDPHGHYHORSHUVEXWDOVR\RXUNLGV

WHAT TYPES OF GAMES THERE ARE

FPS: First Person Shooter This is a computer and video game genre
where the player sees the action through the eyes of the main character,
YLUWXDOUHDOLW\VW\OH
FFA: Free-For-All A form of multiplayer gameplay where there are no
teams, and several players compete against each other to score the most
SRLQWVLQDJLYHQDPRXQWRIWLPHRUEHWKHUVWWRUHDFKDSUHGHWHUPLQHG
VFRULQJOLPLW
Genre&DWHJRULHVWKDWJDPHVIDOOLQWR)RUH[DPSOHJHQUHVLQFOXGHUROH
SOD\LQJJDPHVVWUDWHJ\JDPHVDQGGULYLQJJDPHV
MMORPG: Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game This online
JDPHDOORZVKXQGUHGVRUWKRXVDQGVRIXVHUVWRSOD\DJDPHWRJHWKHU
RPG: Role Playing Game A type of game where the player controls a
FKDUDFWHURUSDUW\RIFKDUDFWHUVRQDOHQJWK\TXHVW'XULQJWKHFRXUVHRI
the game, the character earns experience points for completing tasks or
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RTS: Real-Time Strategy A type of game where the player controls an
DUP\DQGPDQDJHVQDWXUDOUHVRXUFHVQDQFHVDQGWURRSVLQRUGHUWRGHIHDW
RWKHUDUPLHV

20

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Simulation Games While arguably most games are a simulation of

something, simulation games, or sims, take it a step further, recreating a
SDUWLFXODUVLWXDWLRQLQPRUHH[DFWGHWDLO)OLJKWVLPVIRUH[DPSOHJLYHWKH
SOD\HUIXOOFRQWURORIDQDUWLFLDOSODQHGRZQWRHYHU\VZLWFKDQGJDXJH
Other types of sims replicate driving a race car, coaching a sports team,
UXQQLQJDFLW\RUHYHQGDWLQJ
Zone This is for players to describe their way of playing to others, so they
FDQLQWHUDFWZLWKSHRSOHZLWKVLPLODUH[SHULHQFHDQGDWWLWXGHV3DUHQWVZLOO
VHHD=RQHOLVWHGQH[WWRWKHLUFKLOGVJDPHUWDJZKHQWKH\DUHSOD\LQJDQG
RWKHUVZLOOVHHLWZKHQRQOLQH7KH=RQHVDUH
Recreation)RUJDPHUVZKRDUHQWDERXWZLQQLQJRUORVLQJEXWDUHDERXW
HQMR\LQJWKHJDPH.LFNEDFNUHOD[EHFRQVLGHUDWHDQGKDYHIXQ
Pro)RUWKRVHZKRDUHQWJRLQJWRVHWWOHIRUDQ\WKLQJOHVVWKDQUVWSODFH
EXWVWLOOUHVSHFWWKHJDPHDQGFRPSHWLWRUV
Family $]RQHIRUERWKSDUHQWVDQGNLGVWRHQMR\1RPDWXUHODQJXDJHQR
LQWLPLGDWLRQQRVXSHUFRPSHWLWLYHHJRV,QVKRUWIXQIRUWKHZKROHIDPLO\
Underground For those not easily intimidated, the Underground is for
WKHP7KLVLVIRUWKHKDUGFRUHJDPHUZKRKDVDKLJKOHYHORIH[SHULHQFH

VIDEO GAME VOCABULARY

$,$UWLFLDO,QWHOOLJHQFH Allows the computer-controlled characters in a
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Cheat Code These are codes that can be used on a video game to change
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GHQLWLRQWKLVLVFKHDWLQJLQDJDPH<RXPLJKWEHDWWKHJDPHPRUHHDVLO\
EXWLWVOHVVVDWLVI\LQJ
Easter Egg A hidden item in a game that the developer puts in, often as an
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Hack A piece of programming that allows a player to get past anti-cheating
RUVHFXULW\PHDVXUHV$KDFNHULVDSHUVRQZKRFUHDWHVRUXVHVDKDFN

21

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Lag:KDWHYHU\RQOLQHJDPHUKDWHVODJLVZKHQDSOD\HUVFRQQHFWLRQWRD
JDPHVHUYHUVXIIHUVFDXVLQJDGHOD\EHWZHHQWKHSOD\HUVDFWLRQVDQGWKRVH
DFWLRQVWDNLQJSODFHLQWKHJDPH/DJFDQEHFDXVHGE\DQ\WKLQJIURPDODFN
RIEDQGZLGWKWRWRRPDQ\FRQQHFWLRQVWRWKHVHUYHUWRKLJK,QWHUQHWWUDIF
6\QRQ\P3DFNHWORVV
Mod Most computer games can be altered through the use of
GRZQORDGDEOHPRGLFDWLRQVRUPRGVZKLFKDUHEURDGO\DYDLODEOHRQWKH
,QWHUQHWDQGFDQFKDQJHWKHFRQWHQWRIWKHJDPH,WLVLPSRUWDQWIRUSDUHQWV
to be aware that some mods can alter a game in ways that may not be
appropriate for younger players and may be inconsistent with the original
UDWLQJ
Patch3DWFKHVDUHPRVWFRPPRQLQ00253*VDQGRQOLQHJDPHV3DWFKHV
DOORZGHYHORSHUVWRFKDQJHJDPHSOD\VFHQHU\DGGQHZFKDOOHQJHVDQG[
FRPSDWLELOLW\LVVXHVDIWHUWKHSURGXFWLVVKLSSHGDQGSXUFKDVHG6\QRQ\P
3RLQW5HOHDVH
Power-Up7KLVLVDQLWHPIRXQGLQDJDPHWKDWJLYHVWKHSOD\HUVFKDUDFWHU
added powers, such as greater strength, speed, or the ability to turn into a
\LQJDQWHORSH3RZHUXSVXVXDOO\ZHDURIIDIWHUDVKRUWWLPH
Respawn In many multiplayer games, if your character dies, it will reappear
LQDUDQGRPORFDWLRQRUUHVSDZQ$OVRLWHPV\RXFROOHFWGXULQJWKHJDPH
ZLOORIWHQUHVSDZQDIWHUDVHWDPRXQWRIWLPH.QRZLQJZKHQLWHPVZLOO
UHVSDZQLVNH\WRWKHVWUDWHJ\RIPRVW)36JDPHV
Server A computer or device on a network that manages network
UHVRXUFHV)RUH[DPSOHZKHQ\RXZDQWWRMRLQDJDPHRQ;ER[/,9(\RX
FKRRVHIURPDOLVWRIVHUYHUVUXQQLQJWKHJDPH
Strategy Guide A book or Web document that tells you all you need to
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VWRU\OLQHWRZDONLQJ\RXFRPSOHWHO\WKURXJKHYHU\VWHSRIWKHJDPH7KH\UH
XVHIXOZKHQ\RXUHVWXFNWKRXJKVRPHSHRSOHDYRLGVWUDWHJ\JXLGHV
SUHIHUULQJWRXQORFNWKHJDPHVVHFUHWVRQWKHLURZQ6\QRQ\P:DONWKURXJK
XP Experience Points In role-playing games, the player gains these by
GHIHDWLQJHQHPLHVRUDFFRPSOLVKLQJNH\JRDOV$IWHUDFHUWDLQQXPEHURI
points, the player gains new abilities and grows stronger, a process known
DVOHYHOLQJXS

22

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Other Resources
For more information to consider when making rules on Parental Involvement,
Access, Content and Time, please visit: www.microsoft.com/protect.

PTA www.pta.org
Best Buy, Inc www.bestbuy.com
Boys & Girls Clubs of America www.bgca.org
Common Sense Media www.commonsensemedia.org
i-SAFE, Inc www.isafe.org
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children www.missingkids.com
National Cyber Security Alliance www.staysafeonline.org
National Institute on Media and the Family www.mediafamily.org
National Urban League www.nul.org
NetSmartz.org www.netsmartz.org
Parents Choice Foundation www.parents-choice.org
StaySafe.org www.staysafe.org

23

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k0LFURVRIW&RUSRUDWLRQ$OOULJKWVUHVHUYHG0LFURVRIW:LQGRZV;ER[;ER[;ER[/,9(
DQGWKH;ER[ORJRVDUHWUDGHPDUNVRIWKH0LFURVRIWJURXSRIFRPSDQLHV7KHQDPHVRIDFWXDOFRPSDQLHV
DQGSURGXFWVPHQWLRQHGKHUHLQDUHWKHWUDGHPDUNVRIWKHLUUHVSHFWLYHRZQHUV

MS_FamilySettingsBooklet.indd 24

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