Believes it is hypocritical.
CameraBalatro
The developer of the popular game Balatro is strongly critical of the game’s 18+ rating set by the censorship body PEGI.
– Maybe I should add microtransactions, loot boxes, and real gambling to lower the rating to a 3+ age limit like EA Sports FC, writes the anonymous developer known as LocalThunk on X.
Balatro, which is partially based on poker, took the gaming world by storm in 2024 and won three awards at this year’s The Game Awards. Nevertheless, PEGI recently set a recommended 18+ age limit on the game.
Do you think it is hypocritical to have an 18+ age limit?
Hypocritical age limit
Although Balatro is inspired by poker, it is not a form of gambling. PEGI, however, believes that the game teaches skills used in poker, which is considered gambling.
The developer argues that this is seen as more dangerous than promoting microtransactions and in-game purchases. He believes it is hypocritical to give a game that uses some of the fundamental elements of poker a higher age limit than football games that involve actual money use and gambling elements.
– Just to make it clear. I am much more irritated by the 3+ rating for these games with actual gambling mechanics for kids than I am for Balatro receiving an 18+ rating. If these other games were given a fair age limit, I would gladly accept the 18+ rating, writes LocalThunk on X.
– The red logo is pretty cool, he notes.