European age-ratings body PEGI begins raising age-limit of loot box games, like EA Sports FC, to 16
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
European game‑rating body PEGI has begun upgrading the age classification of digital titles that contain loot boxes to PEGI 16 – Paid random items. The change, announced by Games Rating Authority chief Connor Hinde on LinkedIn, will be applied throughout October to existing games currently rated PEGI 3, 7 or 12 that feature paid randomised items. Titles already affected include EA Sports FC 27, which moves from PEGI 3, and HoYoverse’s gacha action game Zenless Zone Zero, rising from PEGI 12 to 16; other titles such as Monopoly Go may follow. The new rating follows an expanded set of criteria introduced in June that addresses interactive risks, micro‑transactions and addictive mechanics. Publishers can contact the PEGI helpdesk with questions as the rollout proceeds in the European market today.
💡 Why It Matters
- · By flagging loot‑box monetisation as a teen‑risk, PEGI forces developers to reconsider revenue models that target younger players, potentially reshaping the micro‑transaction landscape across Europe.
