Games with loot boxes and other "paid random items" re-rated PEGI 16 as new rules come into force, hopefully cutting down on kids gambling somewhat
tags:A pleasant surprise
I'm strongly of the opinion that loot boxes, gacha mechanics and whatever other form of gambling remains present in games is a scourge that ought to be wiped out. Absolutely no game is better for having gacha mechanics in it, only worse. The normalisation of gambling through alternative, softer names, cool cosmetics, and in many cases, cute anime girls is honestly abhorrent. European ratings board PEGI doesn't seem keen on it either, as they've begun enacting recent rule changes bring the default age rating of games that contain these mechanics up to a minimum of PEGI 16.
This change is the enforcement of a plan first announced in March, intended to ensure that predatory mechanics like loot boxes are less accessible to players. Specifically, policy manager Connor Hinde notes that "Existing digital-only games that are currently rated PEGI 3, 7 or 12 and feature Paid random items, such as loot boxes, will have their age rating updated to PEGI 16 – Paid random items." It's unclear if PEGI are also applying other changes proposed back in March, such as such as games with 'time-limited' content (battle passes) being PEGI 12 by default, games with NFTs or 'blockchain-related mechanisms' (lol) gaining a PEGI 18 rating, and 'play-by-appointment' (games that deliberately induce FOMO as a monetisation tactic) also being rated at PEGI 12. Both Hinde's post and an update on PEGI's site specifically cover the "Paid random items" change.
This mass-reclassifying will take some time, but some rating changes have already been already made: PocketGamer.biz reports that Pokémon TCG Pocket is newly rated at 16, as has Fire Emblem Heroes (unique in the series for bearing a gacha mechanic). Hinde also states that "We recognise that a high volume of rating changes will take place over a relatively short period. Publishers and developers with any questions, queries or concerns regarding the process should contact the PEGI Helpdesk for further guidance."
PEGI's move follows the Belgian government having treated paid loot boxes as outright gambling since 2018, and the New York attorney general's 2026 suit against Valve to classify loot boxes as gambling, which Valve moved to dismiss, claiming "People enjoy surprises." The more pressure and, ideally, legislation against this the better, honestly.