PEGI raises age rating to 16 for digital games with loot boxes

The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) rating organization has begun reclassifying digital-only video games that feature paid random items, such as loot boxes, to a PEGI 16 rating. This retroactive update, which is expected to be completed by the end of October, targets existing titles previously rated PEGI 3, 7, or 12.

The new policy aims to address 'interactive risks' associated with randomized in-game purchases, which regulators often link to gambling-like behaviors. Affected titles will now include a specific descriptor: ‘PEGI 16 – Paid random items’.

Major titles impacted by this shift include the EA Sports FC series, Zenless Zone Zero, Marvel Rivals, League of Legends, Overwatch, and Brawl Stars. The reclassification applies to games rated through both the traditional PEGI Classic procedure and the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) system.

While Europe implements these stricter standards, the North American Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has indicated it will not follow suit, stating that adding non-content related features to the rating process could cause confusion for parents.