Editor’s opinion: The Europe-based PEGI rating system is driving a significant change in the way games sold in the Old Continent are labeled and marketed to consumers. Digital-only titles that involve selling players random items for a pretty penny now face the same valuation risks as games that involve violence, sexual activity and drug use. As they should.
Earlier this year, the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) system announced a new video game rating system based on selling random content to players. Now the organization responsible for administering PEGI in the UK has confirmed that the changes are finally being implemented. Major game releases are already affected by the new ratings, although the new rules are expected to remain exclusive to Europe.
According to a recent post by Connor Hinde, who serves as PEGI Administrator in the UK, the Games Rating Authority (GRA) has begun applying the new PEGI rating criteria. A number of previously released digital-only games will be affected, starting with titles that use aggressive monetization tactics, such as loot boxes and other random reward systems.
A game like EA Sports FC 27, which previously carried a PEGI-3 rating – meaning it was considered suitable for all ages – has now been assigned a PEGI-16 rating. The new classification includes the term “Paid Random Items” and informs consumers and parents that these games may pose additional financial risks associated with gambling-like mechanisms.
Hinde said the revised PEGI 16 classification is rolling out now and should gradually impact more digital-only games throughout the month. The GRA expects a high volume of rating changes within a short period of time. In the meantime, publishers and developers seeking advice can contact PEGI’s official help desk to get answers to their questions.
The new loot box-related classification is likely to frustrate gaming companies that are resisting additional restrictions on their business practices. Meanwhile, gamers appear to be largely supportive of PEGI’s efforts to crack down on exploitative monetization tactics used by major publishers. Such practices should be regulated even more strictly and, if necessary, banned worldwide.
However, outside of Europe’s digital market, little is likely to change. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), the organization responsible for managing age ratings in the U.S. video game market, has said it will not follow PEGI’s lead and introduce a new “PEGI 16”-style rating, arguing that the change could confuse American consumers.
