The world of video games is no stranger to controversy, and the latest game to spark debate is Balatro. I’m in Germany for Christmas where my days are often spent trying out mobile games during travel. Balatro is a somewhat addictive poker-themed roguelike game that has been slapped with an 18+ rating by the ratings board. But is this rating justified, or is it an overreaction and should other games be falling foul of the same rating?
What is Balatro, and Why the 18+ Rating?
For the uninitiated, Balatro is a roguelike game that combines elements of poker with strategic decision-making. Players must play through hands of poker trying to beat the ever-increasing “blind” by scoring enough points. As part of your development, you select different jokers and evolve your scoring matrix through booster cards, creating to “builds” that boost points.
The game’s developer, LocalThunk, has been vocal about their disappointment with the 18+ rating, arguing that the game does not promote actual gambling. I can’t really defend that stance given I feel I’m probably a little better at poker after playing the game and have the urge to play some online hands too.
Talked with PEGI and they do not see anything wrong Balatro being rated 18+, nor with EA sports FC (and similar games) having a 3+ rating Blaming EU laws, blaming storefronts, waiting for the future. Sitting on their hands I thought some good might come of this, this sucks
— localthunk (@localthunk.bsky.social) 18 December 2024 at 21:57
But the developer is right in saying there is no actual gambling. The game itself has “dollars” buy they are just a mechanism to control the evolution of your “builds”. This seemingly was close enough to gambling for PEGI to rate the game as 18+.
This opens the door for a much bigger debate. How can games like EAFC 25 continue with PEGI 3+ ratings when real money is exchanged for in-game trading cards and more.
EA Sports Games In-Game Purchases
Some have compared in-game purchases to gambling games. The ones to come under fire the most are often part of the EA Sports stable. The likes of EAFC 25, specifically, Ultimate Team, relies heavily on games of chance. You earn in game points and exchange them for packs of cards. You can also use real money to speed this process up.
The Ultimate Team packs function similarly to traditional gambling, where players spend money for uncertain rewards. Players often buy multiple packs hoping to get premium players, which some describe as a loss disguised as a win – similar to gambling where getting £8 back from a £10 bet is still a £2 loss.
The Case for Balatro Being Suitable for Children
Many players and parents argue that Balatro is not only suitable for children but also offers a range of educational benefits. The game’s focus on strategic decision-making, probability, and arithmetic can help children develop essential skills, such as:
- Understanding probability and risk/reward analysis
- Developing mental maths and basic multiplication and addition
- Improving critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Learning about conditionals and logical reasoning
Some have reported that Balatro even helps children develop a deeper understanding of probability and risk/reward analysis.
The Counterargument: Is Balatro Too Mature for Children?
Not everyone is convinced that Balatro is suitable for children. Some argue that the game’s poker theme and mechanics can still promote unhealthy attitudes towards gambling, even if there is no real-money wagering involved.
Others point out that the game’s 18+ rating is not just about the poker theme but also about the game’s overall tone and complexity. While the game may not be overtly explicit or violent, it may still be too challenging or mature for younger players.
But simply put, PEGI’s own guidelines state that games containing elements that encourage or teach gambling should receive an 18+ rating. So I can’t argue against that.
Instead, I’d argue that it’s time we took a much closer look at games with gambling-like mechanisms and loot boxes akin to gambling.
Ultimately, the decision to allow children to play Balatro depends on individual circumstances and parental discretion. While the game’s educational benefits and lack of real-money wagering are compelling arguments in its favour, the 18+ rating and poker theme may still be a concern for some parents.
This article was created with the support of Goosed.ie’s in-house AI-assisted writing tool, designed to aid our writers, not replace them. While the tool offers outlines and context, all content is crafted and edited by the Goosed team.
