Starting June, games that feature paid random items, like loot boxes, will be assigned a PEGI 16 age rating under the Pan-European Games Information system. This update will also address in-game purchases, online interactions, and incentives that encourage players to engage with a game, such as daily quests.
New Rating Guidelines
- Paid Random Items: Titles including paid random items, such as card packs or gacha systems, will now be rated PEGI 16, while social casino games will receive a PEGI 18 rating.
- In-Game Purchases: Games with time-limited offers, like paid battle passes, will be rated PEGI 12, unless they have settings that disable spending by default, which would decrease the rating to PEGI 7. Games requiring NFT-linked purchases will be rated PEGI 18.
- Pressure to Play: Games that incentivize players to return, like daily quests, will be rated PEGI 7. Titles with paid battle passes that lead to lost rewards will be rated PEGI 12.
- Online Safety: Rarely, games with unrestricted communication and no reporting systems will be rated PEGI 18.
Implementation Timeline
The new rules will be effective for games submitted for classification from June onward. There has been a global movement towards stricter regulations for loot boxes, with notable examples including Belgium’s loot box ban in 2018 and Australia’s requirement for loot box-embedded games to be rated 15 since 2024.
Changes Inspired by USK
PEGI operates widely across Europe, having taken over the UK’s game rating responsibilities from the British Board of Film Classification in 2012. Germany uses its own age-rating system, USK, which has recently updated its criteria to include elements like loot boxes. Dirk Bosmans, PEGI’s director, noted cooperation between PEGI and USK to maintain alignment on rating practices.
Addressing Parental Concerns
Historically, PEGI focused on the game’s content (e.g., violence or drug use). However, Bosmans emphasizes the need to contextualize games, considering aspects like social interactions and spending encouragement. The intensity of in-game purchases will have a significant impact on age ratings, particularly as parental control features become more sophisticated and accessible.
Consultation with Stakeholders
PEGI has engaged with industry representatives and researchers before implementing the changes, gathering insights on age ratings’ impacts. This approach ensures that updates remain relevant for parents while also considering industry feedback regarding gameplay elements seen as engaging.
Future Challenges and Industry Response
While PEGI aims to provide informed choices for parents, some game companies might resist the updated ratings. However, Bosmans urges industry players to consider the regulatory landscape and their responsibilities in creating a balanced approach moving forward.
