Balatro's Popularity Soars Amid Rating Controversy

The innovative poker-themed game faces delisting in some regions due to a sudden PEGI rating change, despite developer assurances against gambling content.

Balatro, a poker-themed roguelike deckbuilder game, has seen a surge in popularity, with players praising its unique gameplay and depth.
The game's PEGI rating was abruptly changed from 3+ to 18+ due to perceived gambling imagery, leading to its delisting from some console stores in Europe and Australia.
Developer LocalThunk emphasizes that Balatro does not promote gambling, highlighting the game's focus on strategy and high scores rather than betting.
Despite the rating controversy, Balatro remains available on PC platforms, including Steam, and its developer is working to resolve the issue.
The game's innovative use of Jokers and modifiers adds complexity and variety to runs, making each playthrough unique.