The PEGI rating will be updated. Games with loot boxes will be assigned a PEGI 16 rating, while games with “unrestricted communication capabilities” will receive a PEGI 18 rating

The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) organization is set to make significant changes to its rating system. Starting in June, it will factor in four new criteria when determining age restrictions for games.

Here are the criteria that will be added:

• In-game purchases. Games that include IAP or “limited-time or quantity offers” like battle passes will receive a PEGI 12 rating. Developers can lower the rating to PEGI 7 if they add an option to disable such expenditures in the settings. However, blockchain games and games with NFTs will automatically be assigned PEGI 18;
• Paid random items. Games with loot boxes, card systems, gachas, and similar elements will now be labeled as PEGI 16, while social casino games will be rated PEGI 18;
• Encouragement to play. This criterion includes projects that are addictive and encourage regular engagement, such as through daily tasks. These will now be rated PEGI 7. However, if games penalize users for prolonged absence by slowing progress or withholding content, the rating will be raised to PEGI 12;
• Online community. Games that do not allow for any restriction on user communication in text, voice, video, and other chats will receive a PEGI 18 rating, particularly if developers have not implemented moderation.

According to PEGI’s CEO Dirk Bosmans, this is one of the most extensive updates in the history of the rating system. He acknowledges that many gaming companies may not welcome the changes, but believes it’s impossible to please everyone.

“For the gaming industry as a whole, this is an important step forward. It shows legislators with more radical views on video games that we are capable of taking responsibility,” said Bosmans.