As a long-time follower and admirer of indie game development, I can’t help but feel for LocalThunk in this peculiar predicament with Balatro. It’s disheartening to see such a well-crafted game, devoid of any gambling elements, being slapped with an 18 rating while sports titles known for their aggressive microtransactions get a pass with a 3.
For the independent game developer LocalThunk, Balatro has experienced significant success; however, it hasn’t been entirely free of problems. Not long after its debut, the European ratings board PEGI unexpectedly classified it as an 18+ title, which has remained a point of contention for the developer since then.
Recently, LocalThunk criticized an exaggerated rating by noting its focus on poker motifs, remarking that titles explicitly promoting and endorsing gambling, like EA Sports FC 25, receive a 3 rating.
Currently, the designer is disclosing that he has been communicating with PEGI in an attempt to address the issue, but unfortunately, his efforts have hit a dead end.
It appears to be quite disappointing for LocalThunk, as PEGI maintains that there is no issue with the game Balatro being rated 18, despite sports titles known for aggressive microtransactions in random card packs receiving a 3 rating instead.
Attributing issues to European regulations, criticizing shops, yet doing little about it themselves – that’s what LocalThunk is expressing, with a hope for improvement but feeling disappointed as things stand.
For clarity, although Balatro’s design elements and certain vocabulary are somewhat related to poker, there’s absolutely no betting, no microtransactions, no loot boxes, or any form of gambling involved in it.
As a gamer myself, I can say that I believe my favorite poker game should carry an adult rating (PEGI 18) because it doesn’t just let me play, but actually teaches me how to analyze poker hands effectively. This skill could potentially be applied in real-life games of poker, making the experience more immersive and strategic for mature players like myself. However, in the US, a similar game named Balatro is rated ESRB Everyone 10+, which I find surprising given its potential to teach advanced poker strategies.
It seems that the rating system can be quite unpredictable regarding the impact of gambling on an appropriate age. Contrary to expectations, some gambling games receive a mature rating (18), while others, such as Prominence Poker, Texas Holdem Poker: Pokerist, Pure Hold’em World Poker Championship, and The Four Kings Casino and Slots, are only suitable for players aged 12 according to PEGI.
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2024-12-19 14:36