PEGI Tightens Rules, Will Give Popular Games With Loot Boxes a 16+ Rating

PEGI is tightening its rating rules for games with paid random rewards. EA Sports FC 27 has already received a 16+ rating, and the new requirements will affect other popular titles as well.

The changes had been discussed before, but the process is expected to speed up starting in October 2026. If a game rated PEGI 3, 7, or 12 lets players spend real money on loot boxes and packs with random contents, its age category may be raised to 16+.

The concern centers on buying an unknown reward rather than on microtransactions as such. PEGI aims to protect children from mechanics that resemble gambling. Researchers are studying the link between such purchases and the risk of developing addiction.

The new rules may also affect other games, including Zenless Zone Zero. PEGI also plans to make warnings about paid random items more prominent on boxes and on digital storefront pages.

The change serves as a warning for parents and players and does not ban the sale of games to minors. PEGI intends to consider not only what happens on screen but also the ways games encourage children to spend money.