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Discover why Balatro’s developer challenges the fairness of video game ratings compared to EAFC 25. Join the discussion!
Welcome to the quirky world of video game ratings, where poker-faced cards stir more controversy than flashy loot boxes. Balatro, a roguelike gem that spins traditional poker on its head, got slapped with an 18+ label. Meanwhile, EAFC 25, which lets players gamble real money on virtual player packs, cheerfully sports a 3+ rating.
LocalThunk, Balatro’s creator, couldn’t help but point out the irony. With a twist of humor, he suggested maybe he should spice up Balatro with real gambling to snag that elusive 3+ rating.
Balatro’s 18+ Puzzle versus EAFC 25’s Youthful Pass
Since PEGI gave us an 18+ rating for having evil playing cards maybe I should add microtransactions/loot boxes/real gambling to lower that rating to 3+ like EA sports FC
— localthunk (@LocalThunk) December 15, 2024
LocalThunk, the spirited developer behind Balatro, has fired a salvo in the ongoing debate over video game content ratings. Despite crafting a game that creatively uses poker mechanics without real-world stakes, Balatro was branded with an 18+ rating by PEGI for “prominent gambling imagery.” Meanwhile, EA Sports FC 25, filled with microtransactions that let players buy random card packs, boasts a kid-friendly 3+ badge.
“Since PEGI gave us an 18+ rating for having evil playing cards, maybe I should add microtransactions/loot boxes/real gambling to lower that rating to 3+ like EA sports FC,” LocalThunk quipped on social media. This tongue-in-cheek commentary not only highlights the absurdity he sees in the ratings but also underscores a serious critique of the system. According to him, if EAFC 25’s system isn’t gambling, then the cards in Balatro are hardly the devil’s handiwork.
EAFC 25 continues to implement a pay-to-win model where players can spend real money to potentially secure top-tier soccer talent. This gambling-like mechanism, argues LocalThunk, exposes children to gambling behaviors under the guise of gameplay. Yet, it dodges the harsh ratings that a strategy game like Balatro receives, which merely simulates poker without monetary risk.
LocalThunk’s frustration is palpable as he points out the contradiction in the ratings system that seems to penalize innovative indie games. While turning a blind eye to industry giants. His call for a reevaluation of how games are rated speaks to a growing concern about the influence of big players in the gaming industry and the need for a fairer rating process.
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