Balatro’s Creator Speaks Out Against 18+ Europe Rating: Gaming Controversy Unfolds

Balatro’s 18+ Rating Sparks Frustration Among Creator

The creator of the popular poker roguelike game Balatro, known by their alias LocalThunk, has been vocal about their concerns regarding the game’s 18+ rating in Europe. In a recent statement, LocalThunk expressed their frustration, sarcastically suggesting that incorporating microtransactions, loot boxes, or real gambling mechanics could potentially lower the game’s rating to a more appropriate 3+, similar to EA Sports FC.

This isn’t the first time Balatro has faced controversy over its rating. The game was initially released with a 3+ rating, but in February, the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) organization bumped it up to 18+, citing "prominent gambling imagery" as the reason. The game’s publisher, Playstack, explained the change at the time, revealing that Balatro was briefly delisted from digital stores in certain countries.

So, what led PEGI to this decision? According to the organization’s page on Balatro, the game’s 18+ rating is due to its use of "prominent gambling imagery." Specifically, the game teaches players skills and knowledge used in poker through various gameplay elements, including "chips" earned for playing specific hands. As players progress, they become more familiar with the types of cards needed to play certain hands, which could be transferred to real-life poker games.

While it’s true that the game features poker imagery and hands, it’s worth noting that Balatro does not actually include gambling in its gameplay. In fact, LocalThunk has explicitly stated that the game cannot be sold or licensed to a gambling company.

Games like EA Sports FC, on the other hand, do include in-game purchases with randomized content, which sparks LocalThunk’s concern. "I’m way more irked at the 3+ for these games with actual gambling mechanics for children than I am about Balatro’s 18+ rating," they said.

LocalThunk has attempted to discuss the rating with PEGI, but to no avail. "They do not see anything wrong with Balatro being rated 18+, nor with EA Sports FC (and similar games) having a 3+ rating," they shared. PEGI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Key Takeaways:

• Balatro’s 18+ rating was due to its "prominent gambling imagery" in the game
• The game teaches players skills and knowledge used in poker through various gameplay elements
• Balatro does not include gambling in its gameplay, and cannot be sold or licensed to a gambling company
• LocalThunk is concerned about games like EA Sports FC, which include in-game purchases with randomized content