Explaining the Balatro PEGI Rating Controversy

Balatro It is one of the most popular games of the year. After taking home three awards at The Game Awards and selling jaw-dropping copies, Balatro has proven itself to be an indie hit. The roguelike deck-building card game was created by a solo developer known only as LocalThunk. Although the Canadian developer wishes to remain anonymous, LocalThunk is quite vocal on social media. This is especially true when it comes to how the PEGI rating system provides. Balatro Rating 18+

Considering that PEGI is probably the only rating system out there, Balatro Surprisingly, it's rated for adults. This is because those who play the game understand that the game does not have explicit adult themes. However, according to PEGI, the gameplay of Balatro It's the reason why card games receive such strong ratings.

Baltro's gameplay leads to its PEGI Mature rating.

PEGI claims Balatro teaches gambling.

while Balatro May not contain mature content. PEGI's reasoning behind the 18+ rating is due to the game's similarity to poker. According to PEGI, the mechanics of Balatro Children may be taught to play poker, which could lead to gambling. LocalThunk disagrees with this argument. In a recent post on EA Sport FC“Mining at EA Sport FC It is a direct challenge to PEGI's rankings, as some of the game features mentioned above are considered closer to gambling. Balatro– Playing style of Balatro Sometimes it can be similar to poker. But it is not marketed as a gambling experience.

PEGI is an abbreviated version of the European Gaming Information. The PEGI rating system is used to rate games in 40 European countries. including Israel Given its wide reach, an 18+ rating can have a huge impact on game sales. This is because it limits the audience.

Balatro features no real gambling.

In an interview with PC Gamer earlier this year, LocalThunk also said: “I'm not very interested in poker” in BalatroPlayers cannot even make actual bets. and supports the argument that it does not promote gambling. Despite the PEGI rating Balatro Able to make huge sales But sales aren't LocalThunk's biggest problem with its rating system. Ultimately, he just wanted the ratings to be more reasonable. Additionally, applause in some games that PEGI has rated as kid-friendly. Although there are loot boxes and microtransactions, LocalThunk posted, “I'm more annoyed by 3+ games for these games that have gambling mechanics for kids than I am.” Balatro Has a rating of 18+”

Comparing Balatro's PEGI score to other scores

• ESRB – Everyone 10 years of age and older.
• USK (Germany) – 12+

Considering that Germany tends to be stricter than the PEGI system, BalatroA much more shocking 18+ rating, 2024 has had its share of great games and Balatro Surprising to many, the similarities with poker may teach basic mechanics. But it's hard to understand PEGI's reasoning in the rankings. Balatro In such a way that LocalThunk clearly disputes why the rating is incorrect.

I'm more annoyed by these 3+ games that have gambling mechanics for kids than I am.
Balatro
Has a rating of 18+

Since its launch in February
Balatro
It has sold as many as 3.5 million copies.

As of now, there appears to be no clear indication that PEGI will reverse its decision to grant Balatro PEGI Adult Ratings are known for their persistence, and even though LocalThunk was annoyed, Balatro Still one of the strongest games of the year. That's worth celebrating.