Considering that a major gameplay mechanic was torturing criminals with precise control over the intensity of the torture and their suffering, Volition knew that The Punisher could cause problems with the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. The game had to be submitted to the ESRB multiple times over the course of three weeks to avoid the Adults Only rating, which would have prevented the game from being sold at major retailers. Volition submitted the game earlier than usual to get an idea of what was and wasn't allowed so they could achieve a Mature rating. Examples included removing certain executions, positioning the camera so the player wouldn't see certain actions, deducting points if the player kills criminals after successfully or unsuccessfully gaining information during an interrogation, and adding a black-and-white filter inspired by the 2004 film "Kill Bill" over the more extreme deaths. After the game released, the ESRB actually used Volition as a positive benchmark for how to coordinate and communicate with them.