Balatro’s PEGI rating: Double standard for kids games?

Balatro’s PEGI Rating: A Double Standard?

The roguelite game, Balatro, received an 18+ PEGI rating, causing controversy. Developer LocalThunk expressed frustration, highlighting the seemingly contradictory rating given to EA Sports FC 25, which features microtransactions and loot boxes yet holds a 3+ rating.

PEGI’s Reasoning and the Double Standard

PEGI cited Balatro’s use of real-life poker hands as teaching gambling mechanics, despite it being a core gameplay element. This led to the game’s removal from several console storefronts earlier in the year after a sudden rating change. LocalThunk pointed to this as a double standard, suggesting that if Balatro added similar mechanics to EA Sports FC 25, its rating might decrease.

LocalThunk’s Tweets and Concerns

LocalThunk tweeted: “Since PEGI gave us an 18+ rating for having evil playing cards maybe I should add microtransactions/loot boxes/real gambling to lower that rating to 3+ like EA sports FC”

The developer clarified that the concern wasn’t solely Balatro’s rating, but the lack of consistent application of rules regarding gambling mechanics in games aimed at children.

Despite the Controversy, Balatro’s Success Continues

Despite the 18+ rating, Balatro has achieved remarkable success, selling over 3.5 million copies and winning several awards at The Game Awards. It’s also included in GameSpot’s top 10 games of 2024.