Europe Is Putting Harsher Age Restrictions on All the Things You Hate About Modern Gaming

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PEGI, the organization that rates video games for most of Europe, is making some significant updates to its system.

Eurogamer reports that PEGI, the organization that rates games in Europe, is introducing new guidelines to shield players from potentially problematic game features like loot boxes and in-game purchases. These changes are designed to address concerns about how these systems can impact players.

Basically, games like EA Sports FC 26, which usually get a PEGI rating of 3 and include information about buying things within the game, could end up with much higher age ratings under these new rules.

Games that sell items with time limits or limited quantities will now automatically receive a PEGI 12 rating. This is a new rule regarding microtransactions.

Company director Dirk Bosmans suggests the game’s rating could improve to a 7 if players had the option to disable in-game purchases, though he admits this feature is uncommon. He believes adding this option could encourage other game companies to do the same.

If your game includes paid random items – like loot boxes, gacha mechanics, or card packs – it will automatically receive a PEGI 16 rating. For instance, a game previously rated PEGI 3, like FC 26, could jump to a PEGI 16 rating simply by including a feature like Ultimate Team.

Currently, it’s not possible to turn off purchases, so the number remains at 13. While it could potentially be lowered to 12 if that feature were added, Bosmans confirms it’s not an option right now.

The report also highlights how games encourage players to come back regularly, sometimes even creating pressure to do so. As researcher Kris Bosmans explains, kids might tell their parents they need to play a game to maintain a streak or complete a daily challenge.

This likely means the game will be rated suitable for ages 7 and up. However, if the game also penalizes players for taking too long to return, the rating could be raised to 12.

Games with completely open online communication – meaning no moderation, reporting tools, or other safety features – will automatically receive an 18 rating. While many games with voice chat do have reporting systems, this rule likely won’t be applied often.

All of this stuff comes into effect starting in June 2026.

Bosmans describes these changes as “probably the most significant update we’ve had in our history”.

PEGI is taking a similar approach to Germany’s USK, which already has rules like these in place.

Bosmans explains that they’re working on long-standing issues, but it’s become clear their original plans aren’t sufficient, so they’re taking additional steps.

The goal is to safeguard young players, give parents more information, and encourage changes in practices like microtransactions.

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2026-03-12 16:07