Balatro reclassified as PEGI 12 by ratings board after appeal by publisher

Balatro, the roguelike deckbuilder, has received a significant rating reclassification. Initially assigned a PEGI 18 rating—a designation that placed it alongside mature titles like Grand Theft Auto—the game has now been correctly classified as PEGI 12. This adjustment follows an appeal by Balatro's publisher to the PEGI ratings board.

This isn't the first time Balatro has faced regulatory hurdles. It was briefly removed from the Nintendo eShop due to concerns about its depiction of gambling mechanics. However, the game doesn't involve real-money betting; in-game currency is solely used for purchasing additional cards within each playthrough.

The PEGI 18 rating stemmed largely from the game's use of gambling-related imagery, a decision that baffled many, including the developer Localthunk. This misclassification unfortunately extended to mobile platforms, despite the prevalence of in-app purchases in mobile gaming.

The revised PEGI 12 rating offers a more accurate reflection of Balatro's content. While the initial misjudgment is regrettable, the correction is welcome news. If this news has piqued your interest, consider checking out our tier list of Jokers to help you strategize your gameplay.