The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) system, Europe’s video game age classification body, has announced new, stricter rules for game assessment, set to take effect from June this year.
Under these changes, titles incorporating paid random items such as loot boxes, card packs, or gacha mechanics will automatically receive a PEGI 16 age rating. These updates extend beyond loot boxes to other prevalent elements of modern gaming services, including in-game purchases, daily login reward systems, and online communication functionalities. It is important to note that the new regulations will apply exclusively to games submitted for classification starting in June.
Key Changes in PEGI Rules:
Paid Random Items:
- Games with paid random rewards (e.g., loot boxes, gacha systems, keys for random items) — PEGI 16.
- Social casino games — PEGI 18.
In-Game Purchases:
- Limited-time or quantity offers (e.g., paid battle passes, countdown timers) — PEGI 12.
- If a game offers built-in features that disable spending by default, its rating may be lowered to PEGI 7.
- Games with NFT-related purchases that are essential for gameplay and can be traded within the game will receive PEGI 18.
Mechanics Encouraging Extended Playtime:
- Reward systems for returning to the game (daily quests, login streaks) — PEGI 7.
- Battle passes where rewards become inaccessible if conditions are not met — PEGI 12.
- Games where the user might lose content or status due to absence from the game — also PEGI 12.
Online Communication Safety:
- In rare cases where a game offers completely uncontrolled communications without a complaint system or community guidelines, it will be assigned PEGI 18.
This update to PEGI’s rules is likely to result in several upcoming projects, including those from well-known franchises, receiving higher age ratings than developers initially anticipated. This, in turn, could significantly impact games’ marketing strategies and their accessibility to younger audiences.