PEGI Introduces New Rules, Loot Box Games Now Rated 16+

Image via PEGI

The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) has announced an important update to its age-rating system, which will change how certain game features are classified throughout Europe. Beginning in June 2026, games that include paid random items, also known as loot boxes, will be automatically assigned a PEGI 16 rating, with some cases potentially reaching PEGI 18.

The move is part of a larger effort by PEGI to address what it refers to as "interactive risk" features in modern games, such as in-game purchases, communication systems, and mechanics that encourage players to return frequently.

Loot Boxes Will Now Trigger a PEGI 16 Rating

Under the new rules, any game with paid random items must have a minimum PEGI 16 rating. This means that such titles cannot be legally sold to players under the age of 16 in countries that have PEGI ratings in place, such as the United Kingdom and many European countries.

Image via PEGI

PEGI claims that in certain circumstances, these games could receive a PEGI 18 rating, but the organization has not specified which factors would push a title into the higher category. Loot boxes have come under increased scrutiny from regulators and parents in recent years due to their similarities to gambling mechanics.

PEGI New Classifications for Purchases and Online Features

The updated PEGI system also introduces several new rules for other game features:

Purchases of in-game content

• Games with time-limited or quantity-limited offers will be classified with a PEGI 12, games with NFTs or blockchain-related mechanisms will be PEGI 18.

Paid random items

• The default rating will be PEGI 16 if the game contains paid random items (and in some cases they can be a PEGI 18).

Play-by-appointment

• Mechanisms that reward returning to the game (e.g. daily quests) will get a PEGI 7. If these mechanisms punish players for not returning (e.g. by losing content or reducing progress) they will become PEGI 12.

Safe online gameplay

• If games contain entirely unrestricted communication features (e.g. no blocking or reporting), they will be PEGI 18.

The new rules will only apply to games submitted for rating from June 2026 on. Existing games is going to keep their current ratings, even if they contain loot boxes. For example, Pokémon GO will remain at PEGI 7 and will not be re-rated under the new system.

The changes could have an impact on major franchises such as EA Sports FC. The series is currently rated PEGI 3, but if loot boxes remain in Ultimate Team, EA Sports FC 27 may receive a PEGI 16 rating.

Image via EA Sports

PEGI claims that the update brings its rules closer to Germany's rating system run by USK. USK made similar changes in 2023 following updates to the Youth Protection Act, and many games in Germany have already received higher ratings as a result.

PEGI council chair Beate Våje stated that the changes aim to help parents understand features such as loot boxes, in-game purchases, and online communication. The goal is to make it easier for families to determine which games are appropriate for young players.