European Game Ratings to Tighten Rules on Loot Boxes and In-Game Purchases

European regulators are set to implement stricter age ratings for video games based on the presence of loot boxes, in-game purchases, and other features deemed to carry potential risks. The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) system will begin applying these new rules to newly submitted games in June 2026, aiming to provide parents with greater clarity regarding potentially harmful game mechanics.

New PEGI Rating Categories

The updated PEGI guidelines introduce several new categories to assess and rate games based on “interactive risk.” These categories will influence the age ratings assigned to titles, potentially impacting a wide range of games currently available in the European market.

• Purchases of In-Game Content: Games featuring time-limited or quantity-limited offers will receive a PEGI 12 rating. Titles incorporating Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) or blockchain-related mechanisms will be classified as PEGI 18.
• Paid Random Items: Games containing paid random items, commonly known as loot boxes, will default to a PEGI 16 rating, with some cases potentially receiving a PEGI 18 rating.
• Play-by-Appointment: Games that reward players for consistent engagement, such as daily quests, will be rated PEGI 7. However, if these systems penalize players for inactivity (e.g., loss of content or progress), the rating will increase to PEGI 12.
• Safe Online Gameplay: Games with entirely unrestricted communication features, lacking blocking or reporting mechanisms, will be assigned a PEGI 18 rating.

Impact on Game Franchises

The new regulations are expected to have a significant impact on existing game franchises. Online shooters currently rated PEGI 12 may see their ratings increase to PEGI 16. Notably, the EA Sports FC franchise, currently rated PEGI 3, is anticipated to jump to at least PEGI 16 under the new system.

Regulatory Context and Precedents

This move by PEGI follows similar actions taken by other regulatory bodies worldwide. Belgium previously determined that loot boxes constituted a form of gambling and subsequently outlawed them in 2018. This decision, and similar measures in other nations, have led some game studios to restrict access to their titles in certain regions. For example, Blizzard’s Diablo Immortal was not released in Belgium or the Netherlands due to concerns surrounding loot boxes and gambling laws.

Looking Ahead

The implementation of these new PEGI guidelines marks a significant step towards addressing concerns about potentially exploitative game mechanics. By providing parents with more transparent information about these features, regulators hope to empower them to build informed decisions about the games their children play. The changes, effective June 2026, are expected to reshape the landscape of game ratings and potentially influence game design practices across Europe.