In a significant move aimed at enhancing consumer protection, the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) organisation has announced that video games featuring loot boxes will be assigned a minimum age rating of 16 throughout Europe, including the UK. This change, slated to take effect in June, reflects growing concerns about the potential gambling-like elements associated with these in-game purchases, which allow players to acquire random items using either real or virtual currency.
A Shift in Age Ratings
The PEGI system, which is utilised in 38 European nations, provides crucial information to consumers—especially parents—regarding the appropriateness of video games for different age groups. Traditionally, PEGI ratings have been based on content suitability rather than the complexity or challenge of gameplay. Under the new guidelines, any game featuring “paid random items” will automatically receive a PEGI 16 rating, with the possibility of escalating to PEGI 18 in certain circumstances.
Dirk Bosmans, PEGI’s director, expressed confidence that these updates would equip players and parents with clearer and more useful guidance. However, Emily Tofield, chief executive of the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (Ygam), contended that a retrospective application of the PEGI 18 rating is crucial for existing titles. “Without implementing the rules on current games, the policy will do little to protect children already engaged with these mechanics,” she remarked.
Regulatory Landscape Remains Uncertain
Despite the introduction of these new ratings, the regulatory framework surrounding loot boxes in the UK remains largely unaddressed. In 2022, the UK government opted not to amend the Gambling Act 2005 to encompass loot boxes, citing a lack of evidence establishing a direct link to harm. Nonetheless, recent guidance from the trade body Ukie mandates that game developers must ensure players under 18 cannot purchase loot boxes without parental approval.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has also stepped in to oversee advertising practices, aiming to ensure that game promotions transparently disclose the presence of loot boxes. Dr Ruijie Wang, who led a January 2025 study from Bournemouth University examining the risks of gambling-like features in gaming, noted that loot boxes serve as a prime example of gambling mechanics that warrant scrutiny. “Acknowledging loot boxes as a risk factor in age ratings is a vital step towards accurately reflecting contemporary game design and offering parents clearer warning signs of potential harms,” Wang stated.
Changes in Rating for Other Game Features
The PEGI updates extend beyond loot boxes, introducing new classifications for various monetisation strategies within games. Titles employing time-limited systems, such as paid battle passes, will now receive a PEGI 12 rating, while games that incorporate non-fungible tokens (NFTs) will be rated PEGI 18. For example, Fortnite, which utilises an array of purchasable passes, currently holds a PEGI 12 rating.
Furthermore, games featuring “play-by-appointment” mechanics—like daily quests—will be classified as PEGI 7, unless such mechanics impose penalties for players who fail to engage regularly, in which case they will be rated PEGI 12. Additionally, games that do not permit users to report or block other players online will be assigned a PEGI 18 rating.
While the changes have been welcomed as a positive step, freelance video games journalist Vic Hood cautioned that their efficacy ultimately hinges on parental awareness and engagement. “In reality, it will largely depend on parents educating themselves about these changes and determining whether the games, alongside their loot box mechanics, are appropriate for their children,” she noted.
Why it Matters
The introduction of these new PEGI ratings represents a crucial evolution in the gaming industry, reflecting a growing recognition of the potential risks associated with loot boxes and similar monetisation strategies. As gaming continues to evolve, these changes not only aim to safeguard younger audiences but also compel the industry to reassess its approach to in-game purchases. This initiative underscores the vital role of informed consumer choices in shaping a healthier gaming landscape, where the balance between entertainment and responsible spending must be carefully maintained.
