EA Sports FC receives PEGI 16 rating due to loot box mechanics

The EA Sports FC series has received a PEGI 16 age rating in Europe, a significant shift from its previous PEGI 3 rating. This change is not attributed to on-pitch gameplay or content, but rather to updated PEGI classification standards regarding "paid random items."

New regulations implemented by PEGI designate content with unpredictable rewards, such as the player card packs found in the Ultimate Team (FUT) mode, as a factor for higher age ratings. Under these standards, games containing paid loot boxes or randomized packs are assigned a minimum rating of PEGI 16.

While core modes like Career Mode and standard league play remain suitable for younger audiences, the randomized mechanics of the FUT mode—where players use FC Points or in-game coins to acquire items with low drop rates for high-value assets—trigger the new regulatory requirements.