Indie sensation Balatro has finally overcome one of its biggest challenges since launch—getting its unfair 18+ rating revoked. The poker-inspired rogue-like game, which involves strategic deck-building but no actual gambling, had been stuck with an adult classification, limiting its accessibility. However, as of February 24, the game has been reassigned a more reasonable and inclusive 12+ rating.
Balatro Overcomes PEGI’s Controversial 18+ Classification
Balatro, a breakout indie hit and Game Award 2024 winner, was unexpectedly given an 18+ rating by the game classification board PEGI. This classification placed it in the same category as mature titles like Call of Duty and Red Dead Redemption 2, despite its lack of violent or explicit content.
PEGI assigns an 18+ rating when a game contains extreme violence, unmotivated killing, harm towards defenseless characters, glamorization of illegal drugs, simulated gambling, or explicit sexual activity. Balatro, which revolves around building a deck using enhanced joker cards and forming high-scoring poker hands, does not involve real gambling or wagering, making its initial classification questionable at best.
Balatro (image via Getty)The Double Standard of Game Ratings
The 18+ rating sparked widespread criticism, especially when compared to games featuring loot boxes, such as EA Sports FC, which remain accessible to younger players despite their gambling-like mechanics. Many countries have classified loot boxes as gambling, yet PEGI seemingly treats a game with mere portrayals of gambling more harshly than games with real in-game wagering elements.
The inconsistency in ratings raised concerns within the gaming community, with many calling out PEGI for applying a double standard. While Balatro received an adult classification for its poker-based mechanics, games with actual financial risk elements remained widely available to minors. The gaming community and industry experts alike questioned PEGI’s decision-making process, arguing that it was inconsistent and outdated in the context of modern gaming trends.
A Victory for Balatro and Its Fans
Following persistent pushback from the gaming community and industry experts, PEGI reevaluated Balatro and downgraded its classification to 12+. This change makes the game far more accessible, allowing a broader audience to enjoy its strategic gameplay without unnecessary restrictions. This is a significant win for indie developers, proving that pressure from fans and the industry can lead to fairer regulations.
LocalThunk, the developer of Balatro, took to Twitter to celebrate the reclassification. The developer also pointed out that physical copies of the game that still carry the outdated 18+ label could now be considered collector’s items. Fans who purchased early editions now own a unique version of the game that marks an important moment in its history.
Expanding Balatro’s Universe
The rating adjustment comes at an exciting time for Balatro, as the game continues to expand its content. Recently, the title introduced the Friends of Jimbo Pack 4, which features collaborations with well-known franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Bugsnax, and Fallout. These additions have further fueled the game’s momentum, attracting new players and solidifying its place as one of the most creative indie games of the year.
Balatro (image via Getty)Moreover, Balatro’s newfound accessibility will likely drive an increase in sales and player engagement. With its innovative gameplay and growing community, the game has the potential to be a long-term success in the indie gaming space. As more players discover its unique mechanics, the title may even inspire future games to explore creative interpretations of traditional card games.
The Bigger Picture: Indie Games and Rating Systems
The Balatro rating controversy highlights a broader issue in game classification systems. Indie developers often face unique challenges when it comes to ratings, as their games do not always fit neatly into existing categories. This case has reignited discussions about the need for more nuanced rating criteria, especially for games that involve elements of gambling mechanics without actual wagering.
With regulatory bodies under increasing scrutiny, changes in how games are rated could be on the horizon. The debate over loot boxes, gambling simulation, and age-appropriate content will likely continue as gaming evolves. The Balatro case serves as a reminder that the gaming community has a voice and can influence industry standards through collective action.
With its unfair rating finally overturned, Balatro can now reach the audience it deserves, proving that strategic and engaging gameplay should not be penalized by outdated classification systems. As the game continues to thrive, it stands as an example of how indie titles can challenge and reshape industry norms, ultimately leading to a more balanced and fair gaming terrain.
