Overview
- LocalThunk lampooned the PEGI 18 rating assigned to his game, Balatro, calling the situation “comedy.”
- The developer jokingly suggested that adding real gambling mechanics could lower the game’s rating, referencing EA Sports FC 25 as a PEGI 3-rated game that includes such features.
- PEGI states that Balatro’s high rating stems from its educational content on poker, which can facilitate gambling activities.
Developer LocalThunk recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) rating system over the classification of his acclaimed deck-building roguelike game, Balatro, which received a PEGI 18 rating. This rating has sparked a debate on gaming content and age appropriateness.
Hailing from Canada, LocalThunk operates as a solo developer, maintaining anonymity while actively engaging with fans on social media platforms, especially following Balatro’s remarkable success in early 2024. His unique approach has captured the attention of the gaming community.
On December 15, the developer took to Twitter to vent his frustrations regarding Balatro’s stringent rating. In a tongue-in-cheek comment, he wondered if integrating real gambling mechanics (like loot boxes) could potentially lower the rating, using EA Sports FC 25, a game with a PEGI 3 rating, as an example. LocalThunk sarcastically labeled this contradiction as “comedy,”highlighting the disparities within the rating system.
Just to clear it up – I’m way more irked at the 3+ for these games with actual gambling mechanics for children than I am about Balatro having an 18+ rating If these other games were rated properly I’d happily accept the weirdo 18+. The red logo looks kinda dope https://t.co/7yyrKYAjgg — localthunk (@LocalThunk) December 16, 2024
PEGI’s Justification for Balatro’s High Rating
The PEGI classification database outlines that Balatro’s 18 rating is attributed to its “prominent gambling imagery,”which ostensibly teaches players how to engage with real-life poker. Interestingly, LocalThunk has openly stated in media interviews that he is not a poker player, reiterating this stance in a February 2024 conversation with PC Gamer. Furthermore, he has publicly expressed his commitment to ensuring that Balatro never promotes gambling, even implementing a stipulation in his will prohibiting the game’s intellectual property from being sold or licensed to any gambling operators. This demonstrates his intent to dissociate his work from any form of gambling endorsement.
Balatro’s Lower ESRB Rating
Contrary to PEGI’s assessment, Balatro does not incorporate gambling elements, as players are not permitted to place bets during gameplay. This pivotal distinction is reflected in the ESRB rating, which classified Balatro as appropriate for players aged 10 and older. Even Germany’s USK, known for its stringent rating criteria, categorized the game for ages 12 and above.
This isn’t the first time LocalThunk has voiced his concerns regarding PEGI’s rating. During a Reddit AMA in March 2024, he criticized the rating as “unwarranted”and disappointing. Despite the restrictive age classification, Balatro has thrived, selling over 3.5 million copies by mid-December 2024. Additionally, the game had a standout performance at The Game Awards 2024, securing three awards and tying with Metaphor: ReFantazio for the second-most accolades at the event.
For further insights, check sources like PC Gamer, LocalThunk / Twitter, ESRB, USK, and LocalThunk / Reddit.
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