Dark Souls II Gets 'T' Rating: Is ESRB Becoming More Lenient?

Dark Souls II, now less than a month away has received an official rating from the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board). The surprise however is that the game has only received a 'T' (teen) rating for blood and gore, mild language, partial nudity and violence. Its rating is particularly interesting because the title's predecessors, Demon's Souls and Dark Souls where both rated M. It is also worth noting that Dark Souls II has all the same content descriptors as the first Dark Souls with the addition of mild language.

Based on game-play trailers and other demonstration videos, Dark Souls II doesn't look any less violent or gruesome than it's predecessors. Even The ESRB's description of the game notes content that is very similar to the first Dark Souls game.

ESRB Description:

This is a role-playing game in which players assume the role of an undead fighter in the realm of Drangleic. Players traverse dungeon-like settings and battle a variety of fantastical enemies (e.g., ghouls, zombies, skeletons, giant rats) to gain souls. Players use knives, swords, and arrows to defeat enemies. Combat is highlighted by cries of pain and small splashes of blood. Some locations depict instances of blood and gore: a giant snake boss holding its severed head; a giant boss creature composed of hundreds of corpses; dead ogres near a pool of blood; a torture device with streaks of blood. During the course of the game, a boss creature appears partially topless (e.g. hair barely covering breasts). The words 'bastard' and “pr*ck” can be heard in the dialogue.

With plenty of blood and gore and even the presence of nearly exposed breasts, it is a wonder why the game is only rated 'T'. I'm not disagreeing with the rating nor am I upset about it, just confounded. Could this be a sign the ESRB is taking it easy with the 'M' rating? Perhaps the 'M' rating is being reserved for games with more gun violence?

 I wouldn't worry about what this means for Dark Souls II however. I'm sure the game will deliver the same experience that fans love and expect from the series despite the 'T' rating. It'll be interesting however to see how this effects the future of other game ratings and if the ESRB will be more tolerant in their upcoming ratings.