The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) body, responsible for age ratings based on content like sex, drugs, violence, and language, is now incorporating interactive features into its classification system. PEGI will now rate games containing loot boxes as unsuitable for children under 16, impacting popular titles like EA’s FC series. These changes will apply to new games submitted for classification starting in June or with the introduction of new relevant features in existing games.
PEGI has introduced the following new age rating categories:
- Games with loot boxes will receive a default PEGI 16 rating, escalating to PEGI 18 in certain cases like social casino games.
- Games offering in-game purchases will receive a PEGI 12 rating, with NFT or blockchain features pushing the rating to PEGI 18.
- Games with addictive mechanics rewarding frequent play will be rated PEGI 7, increasing to PEGI 12 for titles penalizing players for not returning.
- Games with unrestricted communication features will be rated accordingly.
These adjustments aim to provide clearer guidance to consumers regarding the interactive elements within games and their appropriateness for different age groups. Developers will need to consider these new criteria when creating and updating games to ensure compliance with PEGI’s evolving standards.
Source: The Verge