Games on RPoL may be rated either Adult or Mature to signal that they are not suitable for all site users.

Mature games are games which have (as some minor portion of them) mature themes, strong language, drug use, and/or extensive violence.  Mature games use the Mature Content flag to warn potential readers that some of the game material may be considered offensive.  Despite this flag, Mature Games must remain suitable to all ages.

Adult games are games which have as part of their content graphic sex or graphic and gratuitous violence.  Though their story and plot may be very strong and elaborate, they detail sex and/or gore in a way to which children and teens should not be exposed.  Adult games are restricted in access to subscribers1 who are (1) of the age of majority and (2) have specifically requested access to Adult games.  In no case are Adult materials permitted in any public area of RPoL: GMs of Adult games must take care that only those users who are members of their game can view the Adult materials contained therein.

The difference between a Mature game and an Adult game is the descriptive level and the amount of mature content in the game.  Games which focus exclusively on mature content for their plot or which describe such content in graphic detail are required to display the Adult rating.

We consider "Mature" simply to be a warning that some may consider the game "too intense" or that the GM is expecting a high level of quality and maturity from their players.  Mature materials however are merely that: mature.  In no way should content be included in a Mature game that younger audiences should not read.  At no time should the content of a Mature game go beyond what could be printed in a common periodical, such as a local newspaper.