The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) board is introducing new rating standards for loot boxes starting this June.

According to international reports, PEGI recently unveiled new age rating guidelines for games featuring paid, chance-based items. Under the new criteria, games featuring paid loot boxes, card packs, or randomized reward chests will be rated 16+. Social casino titles will be assigned the highest rating of 18+.

The criteria for age ratings based on in-game monetization have become more granular. Games featuring paid battle passes or limited-time/quantity discount offers will be rated 12+. However, if spending controls are enabled by default, the rating is lowered to 7+. Any products linked to tradable NFTs will result in an 18+ rating.

New regulations have also been introduced regarding mechanics that encourage continuous engagement and online communication. Games that pressure players with daily quests or consecutive login bonuses will receive a 7+ rating. Coercive tactics, such as withholding battle pass rewards for missing targets or penalizing players for inactivity by removing assets, will result in a 12+ rating. Games that offer unrestricted communication features without self-reporting tools or guidelines will be rated 18+.

This move is interpreted as Europe significantly strengthening its regulations in line with the global trend of intensifying criticism and regulation against loot boxes. Consequently, major upcoming game series may face higher age ratings than what their developers initially anticipated.