European age ratings for loot box games spike to 16
Video games featuring paid random items like loot boxes are getting older ratings across Europe. The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) board is now hiking age ratings to 16 for digital games with such mechanics, according to a report by Eurogamer.
The rollout began this week and is expected to continue throughout October. Connor Hinde of the UK's Games Rating Authority announced the change on LinkedIn, per PC Gamer.
He stated that new criteria targeting "interactive risks" have been applied to new game submissions since June. The authority is now updating ratings for existing digital-only titles that were previously rated PEGI 3, 7, or 12.
This policy shift has already impacted several major games. Eurogamer notes the EA Sports FC series, previously rated PEGI 3, is affected. The action game Zenless Zone Zero has seen its rating jump from 12 to 16. Other titles with similar monetization may follow.
The move contrasts with North America's approach. PC Gamer reports the ESRB has indicated it will not add similar non-content criteria, calling it potentially confusing for parents. EA Sports FC 27 remains rated E for Everyone in the US.
