Balatro Dev Mocks Loot Boxes to Lower Game Age Rating

Balatro, a game recently touted as a runner-up for Game of the Year, faces scrutiny over its Pegi 18 rating, which has persisted despite the presence of other games that contain actual gambling mechanics rated as low as 3+. The solo developer, LocalThunk, humorously suggested via Twitter that Balatro could lower its rating by implementing loot boxes or microtransactions like in EA Sports FC 25. The controversy stems from Balatro's mechanics involving poker hands and chips, which have drawn the attention of rating boards concerned with potential gambling implications. This has broader implications for how video games are categorized in terms of content, especially contrasting it against popular titles using loot boxes that skirt around gambling regulations. The UK government acknowledges loot boxes but has not classified them as gambling yet, leading to a murky legal standing.

Balatro's 18+ rating stems from its mechanics related to teaching poker hands and earning chips, which Pegi interprets as a potential simulation of gambling, despite having no real gambling elements. In contrast, other games like EA Sports FC 25 feature real gambling mechanics, such as loot boxes, which remain rated lower, highlighting inconsistencies in the ratings system.

Balatro is a card-based indie game that encourages players to learn poker hands and strategies, which has based the concerns on its connection to gambling. Despite offering a rich gameplay experience, the debate over its rating spotlights ongoing discussions about how games are evaluated in relation to elements perceived as promoting gambling, particularly given the rise of microtransactions and loot boxes in the gaming industry.