Summary
Balatrodeveloper LocalThunk mocked the Pan-European Game Information system for its harsh rating of his hit deck-building roguelike.Balatrowas previously given a PEGI 18 rating.
LocalThunk is a one-man developer based out of Canada. While he keeps his identity hidden from the public, theBalatrocreator has been fairly active on social mediaeven before his debut game took the world by storm in early 2024.
In yet another testament to this trend, LocalThunk took to Twitter on December 15 to criticizeBalatro’s PEGI 18 rating. He sarcastically pondered whether he should addreal gambling mechanics like loot boxesin order to receive a lower rating, specifically name-droppingEA Sports FC 25as an example of a PEGI 3-rated game with such a feature set. The fact that EA’s latest football sim received the lowest PEGI rating whileBalatrogot the highest one is something LocalThunk described as “comedy” in conclusion.
PEGI Cites Balatro’s Poker Theme as Reason for High Rating
The PEGI database states thatBalatro’s high age rating is a result of it featuring “prominent gambling imagery” which teaches people how to play real-life poker. LocalThunk famously doesn’t play poker at all, having said as much in a February 2024 interview with PC Gamer. Half a year later, the developer wrote on social media that he hated the thought ofBalatroever being used to promote gambling so much that he made a will stipulating the IP can never be sold or licensed to any gambling entity. So, althoughBalatro’s rulesetdefinitely has some overlap with poker, it’s in no way meant to be an endorsement of the game.
Balatro Has a Much Lower ESRB Rating
Balatroalso doesn’t feature the gambling aspect of poker, as players cannot make wagers during runs. ESRB recognized this distinction in its own rating, which is why it classifiedBalatroas suitable for everyone aged 10 and up. Even Germany’s USK, which is historically stricter with ratings than PEGI, categorizedBalatroas suitable for ages 12 and above.
LocalThunk’s recent tweet isn’t the first occasion on which the Canadian developer criticized PEGI’s handling of his game. During a March 2024 Reddit AMA, LocalThunk labeled the rating as “unwarranted” and disappointing. PEGI’s restrictive age rating didn’t stopBalatrofrom becoming a huge hit, with the game selling over 3.5 million copies as of mid-December 2024.Balatroalso had anamazing showing at The Game Awards 2024by winning three accolades, tyingMetaphor: ReFantaziofor the second-most wins at the ceremony.
Balatro
WHERE TO PLAY
Balatro is a poker-inspired roguelike deck builder all about creating powerful synergies and winning big.The poker roguelike. Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.Combine valid poker hands with unique Joker cards in order to create varied synergies and builds. Earn enough chips to beat devious blinds, all while uncovering hidden bonus hands and decks as you progress. You’re going to need every edge you can get in order to reach the boss blind, beat the final ante and secure victory
