PEGI has announced changes to its rating system, and they're targeting games that feature FOMO-style battle pass mechanics, as well as randomized microtransactions like loot boxes.
The European ratings board told Eurogamer earlier today that games featuring "card pack systems, gacha systems [and] keys to unlock...random items", as well as other games featuring similar loot box-style microtransactions, will be classified at PEGI 16.
According to PEGI director general Dirk Bosmans, the changes are aimed at "clos[ing] the loopholes" being used by publishers in order to circumvent loot box laws and restrictions, so it looks as though games like EA Sports FC 26 (which still very much features loot boxes via its Ultimate Team mode) will soon face a higher rating.
Another change involves games or apps with in-app purchases and time- or quantity-limited systems, like Fortnite's battle passes, being reclassified at PEGI 12.
Bosmans does say, however, that PEGI's new system will allow games to lower their 12 rating to a 7 if there's a toggle within the game to switch off paid transactions. It's an "experimental" initiative that the board intends to look at again in "a year from now".
No such concession exists for...
