Balatro Developer Criticizes PEGI Over 18+ Rating Despite Absence of Gambling Mechanics

Balatro Developer LocalThunk Criticizes PEGI Over 18+ Age Rating Balatro, the critically acclaimed indie roguelike deckbuilder, has sparked industry debate after the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) board assigned it an 18+ classification.

The developer, known as LocalThunk, openly criticized this move, addressing inconsistencies in content rating policies—particularly in comparison with established titles such as EA Sports FC 25, which employs real-life gambling mechanics, yet holds a much lower age rating. Since its debut, Balatro has achieved significant recognition, securing 'Best Independent Game,' 'Best Debut Indie Game,' and 'Best Mobile Game' at The Game Awards 2024.

Released for platforms including Nintendo Switch and available on the Nintendo eShop, Balatro has earned praise for its engaging gameplay, which centers on strategic card play inspired by poker—without incorporating microtransactions, loot boxes, or other gambling mechanisms that require real money. In a statement shared via social media and subsequent follow-up comments, LocalThunk questioned PEGI's rationale: games with direct gambling mechanics—where players can spend, and potentially lose, real money—often receive a PEGI rating as low as 3+, while Balatro, which contains no such features, is restricted to adult audiences.

The developer pointed out that this decision implies a game teaching poker strategy in a fictional environment is more dangerous than one using real-world monetization methods designed to entice in-game purchases from children. Further examination of the digital marketplace backs up these concerns.

Instances have surfaced of minors spending large sums on popular sports titles with gambling-style elements—such as EA Sports FC—despite official PEGI ratings that suggest suitability for young players.

Meanwhile, titles like Fortnite, which have come under fire for employing "dark patterns" and prompting unauthorized purchases, have previously led to significant financial penalties for their creators, including a recent $540 million settlement involving Epic Games.

Despite this, Fortnite maintains a PEGI 12+ rating, accessible to millions of young gamers globally. LocalThunk emphasized that their main criticism is not specifically about Balatro's 18+ rating, but about the apparent inconsistency and leniency shown toward games with aggressive monetization schemes.

With no option for in-game spending beyond the initial purchase price, Balatro stands in contrast to many high-profile titles that invite or encourage real-money spending, yet receive lower and more permissive age classifications. As the debate around game content ratings continues, the gaming industry and its governing bodies face increased scrutiny over how they evaluate complex gameplay mechanics and real-life financial implications.

Balatro's success and the ensuing commentary add further fuel to ongoing discussions about consumer protection and ethical standards, particularly in the context of the Nintendo Switch eShop and other major digital platforms.

EA EA Sports FC 25 EA Sports EA Sports FC PEGI Balatro LocalThunk Pan-European Game Information Nintendo Switch The Game Awards 2024 Fortnite Epic Games