Balatro's 18+ PEGI Rating Criticized by Developer Over Double Standards

Localthunk, creator of the hit indie game Balatro, questions PEGI's decision to rate the game 18+ for poker mechanics while games with loot boxes receive lower ratings.

Balatro, a critically acclaimed indie roguelike, was rated 18+ by PEGI for its use of poker mechanics, which the board claims could teach real-world gambling skills.
The developer, Localthunk, has expressed frustration over the inconsistency in PEGI's ratings, citing games like EA Sports FC 25 that include loot boxes but are rated 3+.
Localthunk jokingly suggested adding microtransactions and real gambling elements to Balatro to lower its rating, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy in the rating system.
Balatro does not include real gambling or microtransactions, and the developer has stated that the game will never be licensed to gambling companies, as per their will.
Despite the controversy, Balatro has been a major success, selling over 3.5 million copies and winning multiple awards, including Best Indie Game of 2024 at The Game Awards.