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The European game ratings board (PEGI) has announced that, starting in June, it will introduce minimum age ratings for games with what’s dubbed ‘interactive risk’ features.
Under the new rules games with ‘paid random items’ (aka. loot boxes) will have a default rating of PEGI 16 (so no UK or European kids aged 15 or under can buy them). That rating can go up to PEGI 18.
Games with time-limited offers or quantity-limited offers will be classed as PEGI 12 at a minimum. Games with any NFT or blockchain-related mechanisms will instantly be rated PEGI 18.
Games that reward players to return to the game regularly (such as with daily quests) have to be rated PEGI 7 at a minimum. If there is any punishment for not returning though (lost content, slowed progress) – the rating is bumped up to PEGI 12.
Finally, any games with online communication features that are entirely unrestricted (ie. no ability to block or report) then they will automatically be rated PEGI 18.
The new rules only apply to games submitted from June 2026 onwards. Titles already released won’t fall under these rules.
One of the most visible ones to be impacted will be EA Sports FC which previously has been rated PEGI 3. If EA doesn’t remove loot boxes from the Ultimate Team mode, the next entry could potentially be rated PEGI 16.
Source: VGC
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