“Balatro Developers Stunned by PEGI’s 18+ Rating for Their Comedy Game”

Screenshot by Localthunk / 18+ rating by PEGI

The European rating organization PEGI has assigned Balatro an 18+ rating due to its potential connection to real-world poker.

This decision seems to have surprised the developer Localthunk, who questioned why Balatro is considered “adults only,” while other games that include in-game purchases and randomized item packs are viewed as suitable for younger audiences.

“Since PEGI gave us an 18+ rating due to the presence of playing cards, maybe I should incorporate microtransactions, loot boxes, or real gambling to lower that rating to 3+, similar to EA Sports FC,” wrote the developer in a post on X. “This is absurd.”

In a subsequent post, Localthunk expressed their greater frustration over what they perceive as inconsistency in PEGI’s approach rather than the decision to rate Balatro at 18+.

“To clarify—I’m more annoyed at the 3+ ratings for those games with actual mechanics suitable for children than I am concerned about Balatro receiving an 18+ rating,” they added. “If those other games were rated accurately, I’d happily accept the weird 18+. The red logo looks kinda cool.”

According to PEGI’s explanation regarding Balatro, the 2D deck-building game is restricted as it “features prominent gambling imagery” and effectively instructs players on how to navigate a poker game.

“As gameplay progresses, players become more familiar with which hands earn higher points. Since these hands exist in reality, this knowledge and skill could be transferred to an actual game of poker,” PEGI mentions.

Localthunk does not wish for Balatro to become a ‘true gambling game’

In contrast, PEGI has granted EA Sports FC 25 a 3+ rating, indicating that the title is “appropriate for all ages,” despite the ratings body acknowledging that the soccer simulation “allows players to purchase in-game items with an in-game currency, which can be used to buy random card packs and other game features.”

“Some parents or guardians may want to be informed about this,” it adds.

It is important to note that Balatro does not allow players to place bets within the game. Instead, they accumulate points by collecting unique joker cards that provide standard playing cards with new abilities, offer score multipliers, and ultimately even change the concept of poker.

It is possible to create new jokers and other special cards by opening randomized booster packs, but these packs can only be obtained using in-game currency earned through gameplay. There do not appear to be any microtransactions in Balatro.

In August, Localthunk expressed their “dislike for the idea” of Balatro evolving into a “real gambling game” and indicated that they have established a clause stating that the IP can never be sold or licensed to any gambling companies or casinos.

The ESRB, which manages video game ratings in Canada, the US, and Mexico, assigned Balatro an ‘Everyone 10+’ rating, noting that it includes “gambling themes” but “no interactive elements.”

“The game centers around a poker theme, which incorporates the names of hands, scoring system, and types of cards, but does not include wagering,” it stated.

Game Developer has contacted PEGI for further information.

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