PEGI starts rating loot box games 16+, and EA Sports FC 27 is one of them

European age-ratings body PEGI has begun raising the age rating of games with loot boxes to 16. EA Sports FC 27 is one of the games affected, getting a PEGI 16 rating in Europe because of its loot boxes.

What PEGI is changing

Eurogamer reports that PEGI has started raising the age ratings of digital games that feature loot boxes to 16, using EA Sports FC as an example. The rollout of the stricter approach is expected to take place throughout October, so more titles may be re-rated over the coming days.

Rock Paper Shotgun says the rule change brings the default age rating of games containing these mechanics up to a minimum of PEGI 16. It frames the rules as covering loot boxes and other "paid random items," and says games are being re-rated as the new rules come into force. That outlet's piece is openly opinionated: its writer argues that gacha mechanics and similar systems should be wiped out, and hopes the move will cut down on children gambling somewhat.

EA Sports FC 27

PC Gamer reports that EA Sports FC 27 has received a PEGI 16 rating in Europe because of its loot boxes. The same piece points out that the game is still rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

In other words, the same game now carries a PEGI 16 label in Europe while the ESRB still lists it as E for Everyone.

What the coverage confirms

Here is the short version:

• PEGI has started raising ratings for digital games with loot boxes to 16.
• The rollout is expected to run through October.
• Rock Paper Shotgun says games with "paid random items" now default to a minimum of PEGI 16.
• EA Sports FC 27 is rated PEGI 16 in Europe but E for Everyone by the ESRB.

The reports we have do not list every game being re-rated, so other titles with loot boxes may see their ratings change before the month ends. Nothing in them says the ESRB is planning a similar change, so the rating for EA Sports FC 27 outside Europe remains as it was.