PEGI overhaul video game ratings keep under-16s away from loot boxes

the Pan-European game information PEGI previously assigned its age ratings based on the presence of sex, drugs, violence, foul language and fear. It is now adding four new options that link age appropriateness to interactive features, such as labeling games containing loot boxes as unsuitable for children under 16.

Games like EA FC The series – which typically carries a PEGI 3 age rating – will be among the most affected, with virtual card packs included in the franchise’s Ultimate Team mode expected to appear in the future. FC Versions to PEGI 16.

The changes will only apply to new games submitted for rankings as of June, or when new features associated with those rankings are introduced by existing games. The new age classification categories include:

The PEGI changes are as follows: Global lawmakers are trying to crack down regarding allegedly addictive game mechanics, with a recent lawsuit accusing the game company Valve use loot boxes To promote “illegal gambling”. Adding new categories may also help PEGI avoid misclassification of games, such as when they are assigned (and then cancelled). My age rating is 18 years old Balatro For “prominent gambling images”, even though there are no actual gambling features within the game.

“PEGI has laid a solid foundation for continuing to educate parents for many more years, where parents will need a constant source of information about an ever-changing environment such as the video game market,” Jeroen Jans, head of the PEGI Expert Group, said in a statement. “PEGI will continue to monitor relevant developments, and we will continue to evaluate the implementation of these standards over the next year, in the same way we maintain ongoing review of our content rating categories.”