PEGI Revises Its Policy on Simulated Gambling in Video Games

Balatro’s Age Rating and Removal from Stores

Balatro, a deck-building card game, became one of 2024’s biggest hits. It won Best Indie Game at the Golden Joystick Awards and Best Mobile Game at The Game Awards.

Despite its success, PEGI initially rated the game 18+ due to “prominent gambling imagery and material that instructs gambling.” As a result, several European digital storefronts removed it.

LocalThunk, the game’s developer, argued that Balatro does not involve real-money betting. Critics also pointed out inconsistencies in PEGI’s approach, especially regarding games with loot boxes that allow real-money purchases.

PEGI Lowers Balatro’s Rating to 12+

After an appeal, PEGI’s Complaints Board changed Balatro’s rating to 12+. A similar reclassification applied to Luck Be A Landlord.

This decision suggests PEGI is reconsidering its stance on gambling mechanics in games that do not feature real-money transactions.

Loot Boxes and Age Rating Controversy

LocalThunk criticized PEGI’s inconsistency, highlighting that EA’s FC, which includes loot boxes in Ultimate Team mode, still holds a 3+ rating.

He compared this to Belgium’s 2018 ban on loot boxes and Germany’s increasing scrutiny of their role in age classifications.

PEGI Acknowledges Policy Evolution

PEGI confirmed it would follow the Complaints Board’s ruling. The organization stated that it “continuously evolves in line with cultural expectations, and the guidance of independent experts.”

Industry Response

LocalThunk welcomed the change, posting on X:

“This is a good step from PEGI, bringing nuance to their ratings criteria that used to be 18+ or nothing. I hope this change will allow developers to create without being unfairly punished.”

PEGI’s decision signals a shift in how simulated gambling is classified, addressing criticism while adapting to industry trends.