In 2024, an unprecedented dispute arose between the developer and publisher of the acclaimed card game, Balatro, and a gaming ratings board. The contention began when Balatro was suddenly classified with an 18+ age rating, an unexpected change that was implemented shortly after the game’s launch. This classification was made even more remarkable when the game vanished from certain digital markets, opening up a dialog regarding age ratings and their impact on game visibility.
The publisher, Playstack, at the time publicly stated that the age rating was ascribed due to the misperception that the game prominently featured gambling imagery and material. Consequently, Balatro was slapped with a PEGI 18 rating, a category typically reserved for games that graphically depict extreme violence, motiveless killing, violence towards defenseless characters, glamorizes the use of illegal drugs, simulates gambling, or features explicit sexual activity. According to the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) website, these descriptions fall under the 18+ rating category.
A shift in the drama occurred in the closing month of the year, with the PEGI rating board remaining steadfast about their 18+ classification, despite Balatro’s gameplay involving no real-life gambling. This prompted LocalThunk, the game developer, to criticize and question PEGI’s consistency in rating categorization. An instance was drawn comparing games like EA Sports FC, which incorporates heavy microtransactions and randomized game elements, and yet was rated as suitable for 3+ age category.
However, in a turn for the better, today PEGI officially announced a change in the game’s age rating from 18+ to a modest 12 rating due to a successful appeal. The reasoning behind this revision was stated on PEGI’s website. The Complaints Board accorded this change to games like Balatro although explained different poker hands, have fantasy attributes that can mitigate the narrative to a more acceptable PEGI 12 rating.
This news was welcomed with a well-received statement shared by LocalThunk on Bluesky. The developer applauded PEGI’s efforts towards refining their rating criteria that was formerly archaic and forgiving. Essentially, it is a call to permit developers to create and innovate without fear of disproportionate punishment.
Simultaneously, PEGI has altered the 18+ classification of another game, Luck Be a Landlord, to PEGI 12. This game, having a slot machine game mechanic but similar to Balatro, falls under the category of being a roguelike deck builder with no translatable gambling skills.
In the wake of these appeals, PEGI has undertaken to reexamine their rating methods for simulated gambling. What used to be an automatic 18+ classification due to the teaching or glamorization of simulated gambling is now up for a revamp. The classification criteria will be updated to suitably rate the theme of gambling in different age categories, including a category that stands on the riskier side of 18+ for games that represent a typical casino or betting hall experience.
Balatro, despite the grueling classification journey, is now accessible on all major gaming platforms. Changes in age ratings now mean that the game will be more prominently featured, having had its visibility on digital markets limited in regions due to its previous 18+ rating. In the United States, before its successful appeal, the game was rated E for Everyone 10+ by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
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