Pretty much any game carrꦅied in a U.S. retail store has a rating from the Entertainment Software Ratings Board on its packaging. But they are not legally required--much like the MPAA ratings given to fi♏lms, they're voluntary self-classification on the industry's part. Representative Jim Matheson (D-Utah) wants to get rid of that "voluntary" part.

Matheson introduc▨ed on Monday, which would fine any person up to $5,000 per violation for: selling any game without a rating on its packaging, selling any game rated "Adults Only" to anyone under 18, or sel⛎ling any game rated "Mature" to anyone under 17. The "Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act'' would also require retailers to clearly display information about the ratings within 180 days of its enactment.

, which have legislation requiring PEGI ratings on any games sold.

From the bill's text, it appears this could be used𒀰 to prosecute smaller game creators for selling their projects online. For instance: Would Blendo Games need an E꧒SRB rating to sell on or risk a $5,000 fine?

Blendo could get a rating , but it would still mean one more gatekeeper between sm🅘all creators and potential consumers if enforced. We've contacted Rep. Matheson's office for clarification and will update this story when we kno💃w more.