In a surprising turn of events, the roguelike deckbuilder game Balatro has been reclassified from PEGI 18 to the more suitable PEGI 12 rating. This change comes after an appeal by the game's publisher to the ratings board, rectifying what many, including the developer, felt was an inappropriate initial classification that put Balatro on par with mature titles like Grand Theft Auto.
The original PEGI 18 rating had baffled fans and the developer alike, especially given that Balatro does not feature content comparable to the violence and mature themes found in games like GTA. The reclassification to PEGI 12 aligns the game more appropriately with its actual content, which is less intense and more suitable for a younger audience.
Interestingly, Balatro had previously faced scrutiny from other organizations, including a brief removal from the Nintendo eShop due to concerns over perceived gambling content. Despite these concerns, the game does not allow players to win real money or place bets; the use of in-game currency is purely abstract and used only to purchase cards within each run.
The primary reason for the initial PEGI 18 classification was the game's use of gambling-adjacent imagery, such as references to poker hands like straight flushes. This led to the game being viewed as potentially promoting gambling, despite its mechanics being far removed from actual gambling.
The impact of the initial rating extended beyond consoles to mobile platforms, where the presence of in-app purchases is commonplace. The reclassification to PEGI 12 is a welcome correction, though it raises questions about the initial decision-making process.
For those intrigued by Balatro and considering giving it a try, why not check out our tier list of Jokers? This will help you understand which of these game-changing cards are worth your attention and which ones you might want to skip.
