The creator of the poker roguelike game Balatro, known by the alias LocalThunk, has voiced their discontent with the game's 18-plus rating in Europe, citing a perceived double standard with games like EA Sports FC that feature randomized in-game purchases.

LocalThunk took to social media platform X to express their frustration, suggesting that they might consider adding microtransactions, loot boxes, or real gambling to Balatro in order to lower its rating to 3-plus, similar to EA Sports FC. This statement was made in response to the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) rating, which was bumped up from 3-plus to 18-plus shortly after the game's February launch.

According to PEGI's rating description, Balatro "features prominent gambling imagery" and teaches players skills and knowledge that can be applied to real-life poker games. However, LocalThunk emphasizes that the game does not involve actual gambling, and they have even stipulated in their will that Balatro cannot be sold or licensed to a gambling company.

The creator's main concern lies with the inconsistency in PEGI's ratings. Games like EA Sports FC, which include in-game purchases with randomized content, are rated 3-plus, while Balatro, a game with no gambling mechanics, is rated 18-plus. LocalThunk stated that they are more upset about the 3-plus rating of games with actual gambling mechanics for children than they are about Balatro's 18-plus rating.

LocalThunk attempted to discuss Balatro's rating with PEGI but was met with resistance. According to the creator, PEGI blamed EU laws, storefronts, and waited for future changes, without acknowledging any issues with the rating. PEGI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This controversy raises questions about the consistency and fairness of game ratings, particularly when it comes to gambling imagery and mechanics. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is essential to re-examine the criteria used to determine age ratings and ensure that they are applied uniformly across all games.

The implications of this controversy extend beyond Balatro and EA Sports FC, as it highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to game ratings. By sparking a conversation about the double standards in game ratings, LocalThunk's frustration may ultimately lead to a more transparent and fair rating system for gamers of all ages.