Balatro's PEGI Rating Reduced to 12
Balatro, the roguelike deckbuilder, has had its PEGI rating revised from 18 to 12. This follows an appeal by the publisher to the ratings board, addressing concerns that initially led to a PEGI 18 classification—a rating typically reserved for games with mature content comparable to Grand Theft Auto. The developer, Localthunk, announced the change on Twitter.
This isn't Balatro's first brush with controversy. The game was briefly removed from the Nintendo eShop due to concerns about its depiction of gambling mechanics, despite the game not involving real-money transactions or betting. The in-game currency is used solely to purchase cards within each playthrough.
The initial PEGI 18 rating stemmed from the game's use of gambling-related imagery. The ratings board apparently felt the depiction of poker hands, for example, warranted the higher rating. This decision also impacted the mobile version of the game, despite the prevalence of in-app purchases in mobile games generally.
While the rating change is welcomed, it highlights the inconsistencies in game rating systems. The situation underscores the need for clearer guidelines and a more consistent application of rating criteria across different platforms.
Interested in trying Balatro now that the rating has been adjusted? Check out our tier list of Jokers to help you strategize your gameplay!
