Balatrohas been one of the most popular games of the year. After taking home three awards at The Game Awards and selling a jaw-dropping amount of copies,Balatrohas proven itself to be an indie hit. The roguelike deck-building card game was crafted by a solo developer known only as LocalThunk. Although the Canadian developer wishes to remain anonymous, LocalThunk has been quite vocal on social media, especially when it comes to how the PEGI rating system gaveBalatroan 18+ rating.
Considering thatPEGI seems to be the only ratings system to giveBalatroan adult rating, it is surprising, as those who have played the game understand that it doesn’t feature any overtly adult themes. However, according to PEGI, the gameplay ofBalatroitself is the reason the card game received such a harsh rating.
Baltro’s Gameplay Led to Its Adult PEGI Rating
PEGI Claims Balatro Teaches Gambling
WhileBalatromay not feature any adult content, PEGI’s reasoning behind the 18+ rating is due to the game’s similarity to poker. According to PEGI, the mechanics ofBalatrocould potentially teach children how to play poker, which could lead to gambling. LocalThunk has not agreed with this reasoning. In a recent post on X, LocalThunk joked, “maybe I should add microtransactions/loot boxes/real gambling to lower that rating to 3+ likeEA Sports FC.” The dig atEA Sports FCis a direct challenge of PEGI’s rating, as some of the aforementioned game’s features could be considered far closer to gambling thanBalatro.The gameplay ofBalatrocan sometimes be similar to poker, but it is not marketed as a gambling experience.
PEGI is a shortened version of Pan-European Game Information. The PEGI rating system is used to rate games in 40 European countries, including Israel. With such a large reach, an 18+ rating can really affect the sales of a game, since it limits its audience.
Balatro Features No Actual Gambling
In an interview with PC Gamer earlier this year, LocalThunk even stated, “I don’t really care very much about poker.” InBalatro, players aren’t even able to make actual wagers, further backing up the argument that it doesn’t promote gambling. Despite the PEGI rating,Balatrohas managed to rack up massive sales, but the sales numbers aren’t exactly LocalThunk’s biggest issue with the ratings system. Ultimately, he just wants the rating to make more sense. Further clapping back at certain games PEGI has rated child-friendly, despite having loot boxes and microtransactions, LocalThunk posted, “I’m way more irked at the 3+ for these games with actual gambling mechanics for children than I am aboutBalatrohaving an 18+ rating.”
Comparing Balatro’s PEGI Rating to its Other Ratings
Considering that Germany is usually stricter than the PEGI system, it makesBalatro’s 18+ rating that much more shocking.2024 has seen its share of great games, andBalatrohas been a pleasant surprise for many. The similarities with poker may teach the basic mechanics, but it’s hard to understand PEGI’s reasoning for ratingBalatroin such a way when LocalThunk makes solid arguments against why the rating is inaccurate.
I’m way more irked at the 3+ for these games with actual gambling mechanics for children than I am aboutBalatrohaving an 18+ rating.
Since its February launch,Balatrohas sold a whopping 3.5 million copies.
As of now, there doesn’t seem to be any clear indication that PEGI will backtrack on its decision to giveBalatroan adult rating. PEGI is known for standing its ground, and while it is frustrating for LocalThunk,Balatrohas still been one of the year’s strongest games, which is well worth celebrating.
