PEGI re-rates existing digital games with paid random items to PEGI 16
PEGI is moving existing digital-only games that include paid random items, such as loot boxes, up to a PEGI 16 rating if they currently sit at PEGI 3, 7 or 12. Publishers with affected titles should expect rating changes through October.
Digital Developer Desk, 1h ago, 2 min read
PEGI has begun moving existing digital-only games that include paid random items, such as loot boxes, to a PEGI 16 rating. The change affects games currently rated PEGI 3, 7 or 12, according to GamesIndustry.biz.
Connor Hinde, a policy manager at the Games Rating Authority (GRA), said in a LinkedIn post that the GRA started applying the updated criteria to a selection of existing digital games last week. The GRA administers PEGI in the UK. The new rating is labeled PEGI 16 - Paid random items.
It applies whether a game was originally rated through PEGI's Classic procedure or through the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) system. The changes will continue to roll out progressively through October.
The GRA acknowledged that a large number of ratings will change in a short space of time. It directed publishers and developers with questions to the PEGI Helpdesk. If you ship a digital-only game with paid random items at PEGI 3, 7 or 12, check your listings and contact the helpdesk if the new rating is unclear.
The report also notes a split with the US. In March, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) said it would not adopt the age-rating changes announced by PEGI, saying doing so "could be confusing" for users.
Sources
Get the daily brief
The five stories that matter, every weekday morning. Free.
Samson developer Liquid Swords in bankruptcy; assets up for bids until October 21
Swedish studio Liquid Swords, maker of Samson, is in bankruptcy and its administrator is taking bids for its IP and development assets. All 27 employees are being dismissed.
gamesindustry.biz1h ago2 min read
Activision QA union votes to authorise strike over first-contract talks
Members of Activision Quality Assurance United-CWA have authorised a strike if necessary, saying Activision has not bargained in good faith. Activision disputes that and says it has made meaningful progress.
gamesindustry.biz1h ago2 min read
Wizards of the Coast won't voluntarily recognize D&D and Studio X union drive
Wizards of the Coast has declined to voluntarily recognize a union drive by its Dungeons & Dragons and Studio X teams. Staff will vote in a National Labor Relations Board election instead.
gamesindustry.biz1h ago2 min read