PEGI Ratings to Tighten on Games with Loot Boxes, EA Sports FC Impacted

European game ratings body PEGI (Pan European Game Information) is implementing significant changes to its classification system, with a particular focus on games featuring loot boxes and similar monetization mechanics. Starting in June 2026, games containing “paid random items” like loot boxes will receive a default PEGI 16 rating, potentially impacting popular franchises such as EA Sports FC.

Latest PEGI Rating Categories

The changes, announced on March 13, 2026, introduce four new categories to PEGI’s classification criteria. These updates aim to provide parents and players with more transparent information about the content and monetization features within video games. Beyond loot boxes, PEGI will also consider:

• In-game Purchases: All in-game purchase systems will be factored into the rating.
• Online Communication: Games with online communities that lack player communication restrictions will receive a PEGI 18 rating.
• Battle Passes: Games featuring battle passes are already rated PEGI 12.
• Daily Rewards: Games that incentivize daily player engagement are currently rated PEGI 7.
• NFTs: Games incorporating Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) will automatically receive an age rating of 18+.

Impact on EA Sports FC

The new regulations will have a notable effect on EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA), a franchise widely recognized for popularizing loot box mechanics through its Ultimate Team mode. Previously rated PEGI 3 due to a lack of violent or sexual content, EA Sports FC could now be classified as PEGI 16 under the new rules [Gameranx]. EA could avoid the higher rating by removing the loot box system from the game.

Collaboration with USK

PEGI’s decision to address loot boxes follows a similar move by the German age rating authority, Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (USK). Dirk Bosmans, PEGI’s director, stated that learning from the USK’s experience was “incredibly useful” [Wccftech]. The USK has already begun considering loot boxes and other potentially problematic game mechanics in its ratings following amendments to the Youth Protection Act in 2021 [Heise Online].

Notification of Monetization Systems

PEGI will also implement new rules to ensure customers are clearly informed about the presence of these monetization systems within games.

Looking Ahead

These changes reflect a growing concern regarding the potential impact of loot boxes and other in-game monetization practices, particularly on younger players. The updated PEGI ratings system aims to provide greater transparency and empower both parents and players to produce informed decisions about the games they play.