Developer LocalThunk has raised concerns regarding PEGI’s decision not to assign an 18+ rating to EA FC despite its use of microtransactions, loot boxes, and mechanics that may resemble gambling. This issue highlights an ongoing debate within the gaming community about the appropriateness of age ratings given the presence of gambling-related content.
In contrast, LocalThunk’s own title, Balatro, is a unique roguelike deck-building game that creatively merges traditional poker mechanics without introducing microtransactions or pay-to-win elements. Players engage in a dynamic gameplay experience where they utilize illegal poker hands to acquire chips and overcome adversary blinds, avoiding any financial exploitation.
Despite these precautions, Balatro found itself embroiled in controversy earlier this year. In March 2024, the game was briefly pulled from digital distribution platforms following a sudden revision of its age rating from 3+ to 18+. LocalThunk criticized this move as stemming from a “mistaken belief” that the game contained “gambling imagery and material that instructs about gambling.” LocalThunk emphasized their commitment to anti-gambling principles during the game’s development.
In conjunction with the age rating adjustment, PEGI classified Balatro as 18+ due to “prominent gambling imagery.” In a satirical response, LocalThunk suggested that perhaps introducing microtransactions or actual gambling could downgrade the game’s age rating to 3+, similar to that of EA Sports FC.
Balatro’s Creator Advocates for Fair Ratings
The topic of microtransactions has been a contentious issue for EA, particularly regarding the FIFA franchise’s Ultimate Team mode. The UK Government attempted to regulate loot boxes in 2022 and 2023, yet tangible results have remained elusive.
EA FC Ultimate Team continues to grapple with criticisms related to pay-to-win mechanics, which allow players to spend real money for the opportunity to obtain superior player cards within the game mode. LocalThunk expressed frustration over the disparity in age ratings, clarifying: “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+.”
Despite facing an 18+ age rating, the trajectory of Balatro remains impressive. Within a year of its release, the game surpassed 3.5 million copies sold and received multiple nominations, including Game of the Year at the 2024 Game Awards, showcasing its broad appeal and critical success.
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