Balatro: from 18+ to 12+, PEGI caves in under pressure
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3 Mar 2025 •
Reading time: 4 minutes The independent game Balatro recently hit the headlines because of a controversy over its classification by PEGI (Pan European Game Information). Initially rated 18+ because of its visual elements linked to games of chance, the game’s rating was downgraded to 12+ after a successful appeal. This decision marks a turning point in the way PEGI rates games with gambling simulation elements.
The initial controversy
Balatro is a roguelike deck-building game praised for its innovative gameplay. However, shortly after its release in February 2024, PEGI decided to reclassify the game from 3+ to 18+ due to ‘prominent gambling imagery’. This reclassification led to the temporary withdrawal of the game from certain online sales platforms in several European countries.
Balatro’s developers, the LocalThunk studio, contested this decision. In their view, although the game includes poker hands, there is no real betting involved. They pointed out that the game blends educational elements about poker with fantastic concepts, and that this combination did not justify such a restrictive classification. In addition, they denounced an inconsistency, pointing out that titles such as EA’s FIFA, which includes loot boxes in the Ultimate Team mode, benefit from a much lower rating (3+).
This controversy has highlighted questions about the social responsibility and regulation of video games, particularly with regard to the mechanics of ‘simulated gambling’. Although these games do not involve real bets, their psychological and social impact on young players is a subject of debate.
The appeal and the reclassification
Following LocalThunk’s appeal, the PEGI Complaints Board has re-evaluated the game. It concluded that, although the game explains the different hands of poker, the mitigating fantasy elements of the roguelike deck-building game warrant a PEGI 12 rating.
This classification review has also affected other similar games. For example, Luck Be A Landlord, a game using slot mechanics with no real bets, has seen its rating reduced from 18+ to 12+ after a similar appeal. This change suggests that PEGI wants to take a more nuanced approach to games with gambling simulation elements.
Revision of PEGI policy
PEGI, which has long been a benchmark system for rating video games, has had to deal with growing concerns about the impact of game mechanics that simulate gambling. Practices such as virtual casinos and loot boxes are now at the heart of debates about the impact of video games, particularly on young players.
In response to growing criticism, PEGI has announced its intention to develop a more detailed set of rating criteria to deal with gambling themes and simulation. The aim is to distinguish games that teach or glamorise gambling from those that use gambling as a gameplay element without encouraging actual betting.
This change in PEGI’s policy reflects an awareness of the nuances present in modern games and a desire to adapt the classifications to cultural expectations and the realities of contemporary gameplay. Industry players have widely welcomed this decision. LocalThunk, for example, expressed its satisfaction on social networks:
‘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.’
What is Balatro?
Balatro is an independent roguelite and deck-building video game inspired by the rules of poker. Developed by LocalThunk and published by Playstack, it was released on 20 February 2024 on various platforms, including Windows, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. The game has received critical acclaim, winning several awards including Best Independent Game at the Golden Joystick Awards and Best Mobile Game at the Game Awards.
In Balatro, the player uses poker hands to score points and defeat increasingly difficult enemies. Each game is divided into rounds in which the player must reach a specific score by playing poker hands. As a reward, they receive dollars, which they can spend on cards and jokers, changing the rules of the game to make it easier for them to progress.
The game is structured around three rounds: Small Blind, Big Blind and Boss Blind. The first two rounds can be skipped, but the player loses the associated rewards. The Boss Blinds, on the other hand, introduce restrictive effects, such as the weakening of certain cards or the need to draw hidden cards after playing a hand.
Between rounds, a shop allows you to buy jokers, tarot cards, planet cards and more, modifying the game according to their rules. This strategic system reinforces the tactical aspect of the game while offering a wide variety of possibilities for the player.