Balatro Creator Highlights Hypocrisy Behind Surprising PEGI Rating

Following the recent triumph of Balatro at The Game Awards 2024, the game’s creator, LocalThunk, has raised concerns regarding PEGI’s decision to classify the game with an 18+ rating earlier this year. This designation marks the highest possible age rating issued by PEGI and is notably more severe than any previous ratings Balatro has received. An 18+ rating limits access to the game for minors in the UK, despite existing circumventions of this restriction.

In a recent tweet on @LocalThunk on X, LocalThunk criticized PEGI for perceived inconsistencies in its rating policies. He quipped that perhaps he should incorporate microtransactions or loot boxes to lower the rating to 3+, much like EA Sports FC 25, which has been rated at that level. This observation underscores the disconnect between PEGI’s regulatory standards and their application to various games, with FC 25 not only being a full-price title but also featuring extensive in-game purchases that encourage spending on a premium currency.

LocalThunk Challenges The 18+ PEGI Rating For Balatro

LocalThunk Calls for Consistency in PEGI Ratings

Joker card available to use in the player's gameplay in Balatro.

According to the PEGI website, the rationale behind Balatro’s 18 rating hinges on its incorporation of real poker hands, suggesting that it imparts skills relevant to actual poker games. This assertion seems misleading, as the game’s connection to traditional poker is superficial, consisting mainly of cosmetic elements like scoring with poker hands or earning chips that function as points rather than an authentic gambling experience.

Moreover, LocalThunk has expressed that the larger issue is not Balatro’s rating but rather the disparity in ratings among other games. He stated in another post on X, “I’m more concerned about the 3+ ratings for games featuring authentic gambling mechanics aimed at children.”It’s critical to note that despite Balatro’s poker theme, it has maintained a straightforward pricing model, requiring only a one-time payment with no additional microtransactions or premium features—allowing players to unlock all content through gameplay.

Balatro’s Minimal Gambling Influence Compared to Loot Box Games

Limited Gambling Elements in Balatro

The card pack shop in Balatro and rolling for cards.

When measuring Balatro against other games that heavily rely on monetization through microtransactions, it is questionable to claim that Balatro promotes real-world gambling in any substantial manner. Although the game features poker hands, its true nature lies within the deck-building roguelike genre, reminiscent of titles like Slay the Spire rather than actual poker.

As PEGI intensifies its scrutiny on gambling representations while potentially overlooking actual gambling mechanics, the future of ratings for both Balatro and microtransaction-centric titles like FC 25 remains uncertain. Despite some merit to the argument that Balatro could familiarize players with poker hands, its 18+ rating appears inconsistent when juxtaposed with titles that promote real-money gambling for in-game rewards—for instance, the controversial Arcane Fractured Jinx skin from League of Legends, which holds a PEGI rating of 12+ yet requires players to spend money for a chance to unlock it.

While PEGI’s justification for Balatro’s rating may adhere to their guidelines, it may be time for the organization to reassess the ratings of other games in light of this critique.

Sources: @LocalThunk/X (1, 2), PEGI

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