After the indie game Balatro faced a rating controversy, the European board PEGI reversed its decision from an 18+ to a 12 rating. Initially, PEGI assigned the higher rating due to gambling imagery, which restricted sales in some regions. Developer LocalThunk criticized the inconsistency with similar games like EA Sports FC, prompting further discussions on rating criteria. The new assessment considered the game's fantastical elements, leading to PEGI's commitment to refine its classification system for gambling themes across various age categories, aiming for a more nuanced approach.
The Complaints Board concluded that, although the game explains the various hands of poker, the roguelike deck-building game contained mitigating fantastical elements that warranted a PEGI 12 rating.
This is a good step from PEGI, bringing nuance to their ratings criteria that used to be 18+ or nothing. I hope this change will allow developers to create without being unfairly punished.
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