Balatro, the popular roguelike game with poker imagery and mechanics, has had its PEGI rating in Europe reduced from 18 to 12. The decision was made following an appeal by Sold Out Sales & Marketing, the publisher of Balatro’s physical edition.
The game was initially given a PEGI 3 rating but was later bumped up to PEGI 18 due to “prominent gambling imagery” and material that instructs about gambling. However, after reviewing the game’s content, the Complaints Board concluded that it contained mitigating fantastical elements that warranted a lower rating.
Similarly, Luck Be A Landlord, another roguelike with slot machine mechanics but no real-world gambling, has also had its PEGI rating reduced from 18 to 12. The game was previously given an age rating of 18 due to “teaching or glamorisation of simulated gambling”, but the Complaints Board ruled that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
PEGI is now developing more granular classification criteria to handle games with gambling imagery, including 12 and 18 as separate categories. The new criteria aim to bring nuance to the ratings system, allowing developers to create without being unfairly punished.
LocalThunk, the creator of Balatro, has expressed his satisfaction with the decision, saying it brings “nuance” to PEGI’s ratings criteria. Playstack, the game’s publisher, has also confirmed that they are pleased with the Complaints Board’s decision and looks forward to seeing a more granular system in place.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/618342/balatro-pegi-rating-appeal