As a long-time gaming enthusiast with a penchant for indie titles that push boundaries, I find myself deeply invested in the ongoing saga of Balatro and its controversial PEGI rating. Having played my fair share of games across various genres, it’s hard not to notice the double standards at play here.
Previously this year, Balatro received an 18+ rating from PEGI, the European organization responsible for game ratings. Developer LocalThunk has expressed disappointment over this rating and humorously suggested that if they were to add “real gambling” features, it might lower the rating to a 3+, similar to the newly released EA Sports FC 25.
PEGI specifically mentions that the game Balatro incorporates actual poker hands, arguing that this could potentially educate players on how to play poker for real-life gambling purposes. However, it’s important to note that poker serves as a foundation for the roguelike mechanics in Balatro. Despite this, PEGI believes that the prominent depiction of gambling elements warrants its Adults Only rating. This isn’t a recent decision; earlier this year, Balatro was removed from various console marketplaces due to its sudden change from a 3+ rating to an Adults Only rating without any prior notification.
LocalThunk continues to raise concerns over EA Sports FC 25, comparing it to games previously classified as having gambling-like aspects by several European nations. This game, like others in the series since Ultimate Team was introduced, features microtransactions and loot boxes – mechanisms that have been present throughout the series. Yet, despite this, the game retains its “suitable for all ages” rating of 3+. LocalThunk sees this as a clear double standard and even humorously suggests that if Balatro were to adopt similar mechanics, it might help them achieve a lower age rating.
Given that PEGI classified our game as 18+ due to the presence of malevolent playing cards, perhaps we could consider incorporating in-game purchases or loot boxes, even possibly elements akin to real gambling, to potentially adjust the rating down to a 3+ like EA Sports FC.
— localthunk (@LocalThunk) December 15, 2024
Continuing his discourse, LocalThunk emphasized that the problem wasn’t specifically about Balatro’s rating, but rather about addressing other clear instances where games could be considered as “child gambling mechanics.” He suggested that these should receive similar attention for regulation. Lastly, LocalThunk found the game’s logo quite appealing, saying, “I think the red logo is cool.
Since the launch of Balatro, I’ve been on a rollercoaster ride that hasn’t slowed down! This game has sold an incredible 3.5 million copies and even managed to snatch several awards at the recent Game Awards ceremony. It’s also made it into TopMob’s top 10 games of 2024, which is a huge honor for me as a gamer. The roguelite aspect of this game has kept me hooked and I can’t wait to see where its success takes us next!
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2024-12-16 18:39