The ratings can significantly impact the market. For one, games with lower ratings (e.g., A or B) have a wider potential customer base as they can be purchased by a larger age group, including parents buying for their children. On the other hand, higher - rated games (e.g., D or Z) are restricted to older audiences, which means their marketing and sales channels might be more limited. Publishers also need to be careful with the content to get a favorable rating and reach a broader market.
The Japanese PC game ratings for visual novels play a crucial role in the market. Since these ratings categorize the games based on their suitability for different age groups, it affects how the games are promoted and sold. Games with lower ratings are more likely to be advertised widely and be available in mainstream stores. In contrast, those with higher ratings may only be sold in specialized stores or online platforms that restrict access to minors. This also affects the price point, as games with a wider appeal due to lower ratings may be priced more competitively to attract a larger customer base, while higher - rated games may target a more niche, less price - sensitive market.