Balatro became a big success in 2024, even though it was made with a limited budget. The game received notable recognition, winning the Best Indie Game award at the Golden Joystick Awards and the Best Mobile Game award at The Game Awards.
The game’s creator raised concerns about the age rating system used for video games, arguing that it seems inconsistent and unfair. They specifically pointed out the policies by PEGI, the organization that assigns age ratings to games, regarding loot boxes.
Loot boxes are items in games that players can buy, often with real money. When players purchase these boxes, they receive random rewards, which can include new outfits, power-ups, or other gifts. This randomness is why some people believe that buying loot boxes resembles gambling. Since players cannot know in advance what they will get when they spend their money, it creates an element of chance.
In 2018, Belgium took a strong stance against loot boxes by banning them, stating they broke the country’s gambling laws. However, even with this ban, loot boxes are not currently a factor in deciding a game’s age rating according to PEGI guidelines.
One example of a game frequently discussed in relation to loot boxes is EA FC, which is among the most popular video games worldwide. One specific mode in the game, called Ultimate Team, involves players buying packs of virtual trading cards. This aspect often sparks conversations about the ethics and implications of loot boxes.
Some people believe that Ultimate Team does not fall under the category of gambling because players cannot cash out or turn their in-game purchases into real money. However, the debate continues as players and critics weigh the potential risks and rewards of such systems in gaming.
The discussions around loot boxes highlight important issues about how video games are rated for different age groups and whether the incentives provided through these mechanisms are fair, especially for younger audiences. As gaming continues to evolve, these conversations will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of gaming regulations and policies related to age ratings.