The Age Rating Conundrum
When it comes to video game age ratings, one might expect a pinch of consistency and a dash of logic. Enter Balatro, a quirky game that recently received an unexpected 18 rating from PEGI, the European age rating system that’s as discerning as a parent snooping through your internet history. But why? The devs at Localthunk claim it’s all ‘blaming EU laws, blaming storefronts, waiting for the future.’ Are we witnessing a radar error or just an overly cautious ratings board?
The Irony of Ratings
Let’s unravel the irony tied up in PEGI’s logic: Balatro’s engaging poker mechanics may teach players about forming poker hands, but it allegedly crosses a line because poker has associations with gambling. Meanwhile, EA Sports FC 25, a game that invites players to buy card packs using real money, gallops by sporting a glowing 3 rating. Talk about mixed signals!
Digging Deeper into PEGI’s Guidelines
According to PEGI, their strict guidelines stem from a desire to protect players from the subtle suggestions of gambling in virtually harmless games. The organization insists it’s adhering to rules intended to shield gamers from potentially addictive behaviors. Yet, as Localthunk noted in a disheartened BlueSky post, the disparity in ratings makes one question whether PEGI is indeed sitting on its hands. “This sucks,” they state, summing up their disappointment, and one can’t help but sympathize with the frustration of navigating such a confusing landscape.
