Balatro Reclassified to PEGI 12 After Publisher's Appeal

Balatro, the roguelike deckbuilder, recently underwent a significant change in its age rating, being reclassified from PEGI 18 to PEGI 12 following a decision by the ratings board. This adjustment aligns it more closely with its actual content rather than placing it in the same category as games like Grand Theft Auto, which typically receive a PEGI 18 rating due to their mature themes.

This shift follows an appeal made by the game's publisher to the board, addressing concerns raised previously. It’s worth noting that Balatro has faced challenges beyond just its rating. Last year, it was temporarily removed from the Nintendo eShop due to concerns over its perceived gambling elements. However, it's important to clarify that players cannot win real money or place bets while playing Balatro; the in-game purchases are purely cosmetic and tied to card acquisitions within the game runs.

Despite these clarifications, the initial classification impacted platforms like mobile, where similar mechanics are common across various apps. While the recent update is a positive step, it highlights the importance of accurate classification from the outset to avoid unnecessary confusion among both developers and players.

For those intrigued by Balatro, consider checking out our tier list of Jokers to explore which cards stand out as game-changers and which might not be as impactful.

The House Always Wins
As noted earlier, one of the primary reasons Balatro received a PEGI 18 rating initially was due to its depiction of gambling-related imagery. Essentially, the concern stemmed from the possibility that players might recognize symbols like a straight flush or flush, leading to associations with gambling—a detail that might seem exaggerated but played a role in the original classification.

While frustrating, this episode underscores the complexities of content rating systems and serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue needed between developers, publishers, and regulatory bodies to ensure fair and accurate assessments.