Loot Boxes
Ongoing coverage on Loot Boxes.
Latest coverage
Op Ed
This opinion piece argues that PEGI's changes to loot box regulations are a positive step but should be applied retrospectively. The author believes that applying these new rules to existing games is crucial for fairness and consumer protection.
PEGI revises its age ratings system with considerations for loot boxes, daily quests
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) organization is updating its age rating system to include specific game features like loot boxes and daily quests, effective June. New classifications will consider in-game purchases, paid random items, communication features, and daily rewards, aiming to enhance online safety for parents. Games with loot boxes will now be rated PEGI 16 or 18, while those with daily quests will be PEGI 7 or 12, depending on whether they reward or punish players for returning.
PEGI ratings for game releases in Europe will be age-restricted if they contain loot boxes
PEGI, the Pan-European Game Information system, is implementing new age rating rules starting June 2026 that will restrict games containing loot boxes and other gambling-like mechanics. The updated criteria will assign ratings such as PEGI 7, 12, 16, or 18 based on the presence and nature of in-game purchases, random items, and communication features. These changes aim to inform parents about potentially addictive or risky game elements.
PEGI's loot box rule changes are welcome, but they should be retrospective | Opinion
This opinion piece discusses PEGI's new rule requiring games with paid random items to be rated PEGI 16, noting that the rule only applies to newly submitted titles. The author argues that this non-retroactive approach fails to protect players of popular existing games with loot boxes and raises anti-competition concerns. The article also touches on the varying international approaches to loot box regulation and the importance of monitoring implementation.
Europe's game rating agency takes aim at in-app purchases, loot boxes, and 'unrestricted communication' with new 'interactive risk categories'
Europe's game rating agency PEGI is introducing new 'interactive risk categories' to address loot boxes, in-app purchases, and unrestricted in-game communication. These changes will affect game age ratings, with some titles potentially seeing significant increases, such as EA Sports FC moving from PEGI 3 to PEGI 16 due to randomized card packs. The new criteria are set to be implemented in June.
EA Sports FC risks losing PEGI 3 age rating due to new loot box rules
PEGI is implementing stricter rules for video game age ratings, with the presence of loot boxes now automatically resulting in a PEGI 16 rating. This change, effective from June, could impact the all-ages appeal of titles like EA Sports FC and NBA 2K, potentially affecting sales. Other factors like battle passes, NFTs, and online communication will also influence ratings.
PEGI Targets Loot Boxes With Its New Overhauled Ratings System
The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) ratings system is undergoing a significant overhaul, introducing new classifications for loot boxes, microtransactions, and daily login rewards. Games featuring paid random items will default to a PEGI 16 rating, while those with NFTs will be rated PEGI 18. These changes, set to be enforced from June 2026, aim to better inform consumers about potentially predatory in-game mechanics.
PEGI announce plans to slap higher age ratings on games with loot boxes, daily quests, and paid battle passes soon
PEGI, the European game rating board, is updating its criteria to include specific age recommendations for games featuring loot boxes, NFTs, blockchain mechanisms, daily quests, and paid battle passes. These changes, effective in June, aim to provide parents with more transparent advice on game content. While the core age ratings remain, these new features will influence a game's classification, with some potentially receiving higher ratings.
Project Helix dev kits not going out until 2027 | TAG
Microsoft's next-gen console, Project Helix, will not have developer kits available until 2027, featuring a custom AMD chip with advanced ray tracing and upscaling. Separately, Pokémon Pokopia launched strongly on the Nintendo Switch 2, selling 2.2 million copies in three days, while Xbox is teasing "new ways to play" classic games for its 25th anniversary, emphasizing game preservation.
Valve argues mystery boxes are 'widely used' in the tangible world
Valve is arguing against the New York Attorney General's lawsuit that claims its games promote illegal gambling through loot boxes. The company asserts that these mystery boxes are widely used in both video games and the physical world, comparing them to baseball card packs and blind boxes. Valve also stated that it does not cooperate with gambling sites and has locked over one million Steam accounts involved in such activities.
PEGI Rating Changes Will See Loot Box Games Classified Much Higher
PEGI is updating its rating system to classify games featuring loot boxes and similar randomized microtransactions at PEGI 16. Games with battle passes or time-limited systems will be rated PEGI 12, with an option to lower to PEGI 7 if in-game purchase toggles are available. These changes, aimed at closing loopholes and addressing concerns about predatory monetization, will take effect in June.
Europe Is Putting Harsher Age Restrictions on All the Things You Hate About Modern Gaming
Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) is implementing significant updates to its age rating system starting June 2026, introducing stricter classifications for loot boxes, microtransactions, and daily login incentives. Games featuring paid random items like loot boxes will automatically receive a PEGI 16 rating, while those with time-limited purchases will be rated PEGI 12. Unrestricted online communication will result in an 18 rating.
Valve has "serious concerns" with New York Attorney General's loot box lawsuit
Valve has expressed serious concerns regarding a lawsuit filed by the New York Attorney General accusing the company of promoting illegal gambling through loot boxes and item trading. The company is pushing back against these allegations.
Video Games With Loot Boxes Will Now Have a 16 Age Rating Across Europe as Part of Huge PEGI Shakeup - IGN
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age-rating body is introducing new categories starting July 2026 to classify games with in-app purchases, paid random items (loot boxes), and other interactive features. Games containing paid random items will default to a PEGI 16 rating, impacting titles like EA's FC series. These changes aim to provide clearer warnings to parents about potential risks within games.
Valve Breaks Silence Over NY Attorney General Lawsuit, Says Loot Boxes Are Like Baseball Cards, Pokémon, Magic the Gathering, and Labubu - IGN
Valve has responded to a lawsuit from the New York Attorney General, arguing that loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2 are akin to baseball cards or Pokémon cards and do not constitute illegal gambling. The company stated that virtual items are cosmetic, transferable, and that they actively combat the use of their items on gambling sites. Valve expressed concerns about the AG's demands, which they believe go beyond existing law and could negatively impact users and developers.
Changes to Euro game ratings mean you will need to be nearly an adult to buy EAFC in future – here’s why that really matters
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) rating system is set to change its criteria starting June 2026, which will significantly impact games like EAFC. Previously rated PEGI 3, EAFC is expected to be reclassified as PEGI 16 or 18 due to its in-game paid random items, such as Ultimate Team card packs. This change aims to better inform parents about games with microtransactions and other monetization mechanics.
Game age rating system PEGI to get big changes for in-game items and online play
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age rating system is implementing significant changes to how games are classified, particularly concerning in-game items and online interactions. New categories will address paid random items, time-limited offers, NFTs, blockchain mechanisms, daily quests, and communication features, with updated ratings coming into effect in June 2026.
Video game PEGI age-ratings are changing in Europe and it's probably not good news for EA FC Sports
PEGI, the Pan-European Game Information age-ratings body, is implementing significant updates to its criteria in June. These changes will introduce new categories to address addictive design, unmonitored online communication, and paid content, including loot boxes. Games like EA Sports FC, previously rated PEGI 3, may now receive a PEGI 16 rating due to in-app purchases like Ultimate Team card packs.
Games with loot boxes will be rated PEGI 16 from June, as part of sweeping changes to the age-rating system
Starting in June, the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age-rating system will classify games with paid random items, such as loot boxes, as PEGI 16. The updated system also considers in-game purchases, online communication, and incentives to play, with new ratings for battle passes and daily quests. PEGI director Dirk Bosmans explained these changes aim to provide parents with more informed guidance by accounting for 'online interactive risks'.
Loot Boxes And Battle Passes Are About To Impact Game Ratings More Harshly
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) rating system is implementing stricter guidelines for games featuring loot boxes, microtransactions, and NFTs starting in June. Games with loot boxes will be rated PEGI 16, while those with battle passes will typically be PEGI 12, potentially dropping to PEGI 7 if spending can be disabled. Games featuring NFTs, social casino elements, or communication features will receive an instant PEGI 18 rating.
