Developer of indie video game hit Balatro wins battle over age rating

One of 2024's most successful video games has had its 18+ age rating overturned.

Card game Balatro encourages players to build poker hands but allows them to modify decks and use special joker cards to boost their scores.

Games classification body PEGI slapped the highest rating on the game, but its anonymous creator LocalThunk argued that it doesn't allow players to bet or even spend money within it.

It will now be reclassified as a 12+. Another game, Luck Be A Landlord, has also been reclassified.

PEGI, which works in the UK and across Europe, says it will now review its policies around gambling across all games.

Balatro was one of 2024's breakout hits, made on a small budget but winning Best Indie Game at the Golden Joysticks and Best Mobile Game at The Game Awards.

Its creator argued that the age rating rules it faced were not consistent or fair and called out PEGI's policies around loot boxes.

These lucky-dip style items contain new outfits, power-ups or other bonuses and can be bought with real money.

Critics argue that they amount to a form of gambling because players don't know what's inside when they buy them.

In 2018, Belgium banned loot boxes on the basis that they violated the country's gambling laws but they don't currently affect a game's PEGI age rating.

One of the world's most popular video games, EA FC, a title specifically called out by LocalThunk, is rated 3+.

It is often mentioned in discussions about loot boxes because of its popular Ultimate Team mode, which involves buying packs of virtual trading cards.

Some disagree that it counts as gambling because it's not possible to "cash out" or win money back from the game.

PEGI said in a statement it will accept the decision of its Complaints Board, and that it "continuously evolves in line with cultural expectations, and the guidance of independent experts".

New rules will mean gambling themes do not automatically lead to an 18+ rating. Instead, it will be limited to games that simulate casinos and betting halls.

In a post on X after the decision, LocalThunk said "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".