Balatro, the popular roguelike game, has recently seen its age rating in Europe altered from PEGI 18 to PEGI 12. This decision came after the game’s publisher raised a formal complaint.
Initially, Balatro received an 18+ classification predominantly due to its poker-themed elements. PEGI argued that by teaching players the nuances of poker, the game could inadvertently act as an introduction to gambling. This adult-only rating significantly impacted the game’s visibility in digital stores across Europe, although it went on to achieve critical acclaim worldwide following its release in February 2024. The Canadian developer behind Balatro, known as LocalThunk, has openly mocked this stringent rating in online spaces.
In a twist, Balatro’s age rating officially changed on February 24, following an appeal by its European distributor, Sold Out Sales & Marketing. The PEGI Complaints Board recognized that while the game educates players about poker hands, its fantastical elements justified a more lenient PEGI 12 classification as opposed to the previous adult-only label.
This incident has prompted PEGI to reconsider its rating criteria. The organization is moving toward a more nuanced system that can better differentiate between games promoting gambling and those featuring gambling symbols merely as part of their themes. “The PEGI system continually adapts to cultural expectations,” claimed the organization, adding that this recent decision aligns with its evolving 21-year history.
In addition, another game, Luck Be a Landlord, also had its PEGI rating adjusted. Initially given an adult-only rating due to its slot machine mechanics, the game has now been re-assessed as suitable for players 12 and older. Despite its gambling imagery, Fangamer, the game’s publisher, successfully argued that the slot machine elements serve as social commentary rather than actual promotion of gambling.
Although PEGI has not provided a specific timeline for when these new classification criteria will be finalized, LocalThunk views this regulatory evolution as a positive development towards a fairer classification system. The developer expressed hope that such refinements will prevent unfair ratings for creative and unique game concepts in the future.
