Balatro, an indie superhit game, has successfully appealed its PEGI rating, reducing it from 18+ to 12+. Initially rated as an adult game due to its poker mechanics, the developer argued that the game lacks gambling and violence and incorporates fantastical elements. The change in rating is seen as a significant step for PEGI, demonstrating a willingness to adapt and provide more nuance in game ratings. It allows developers like LocalThunk to create games without the fear of unreasonable ratings that could limit their audience.
This is a good step from PEGI - bringing nuance to their ratings criteria that used to be 18+ or nothing. I hope this change will allow developers to create without being unfairly punished.
The Complaints Board concluded that, although [Balatro] explains the various hands of poker, the roguelike deck-building game contained mitigating fantastical elements that warranted a PEGI 12 rating.
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