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New PEGI Age Ratings for Games: Loot Boxes PEGI 16

3/15/2026

26 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) board will implement new age ratings for video games starting in June 2026, focusing on interactive risks to guide parents.
Loot boxes will generally receive a PEGI 16 rating.
NFTs will be rated PEGI 18, and titles with time-limited offers will be rated PEGI 12.
These changes apply only to new submissions, leaving existing games unaffected.

History

Historical Context

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was enacted by the European Union in 2016 to enhance consumer protection in digital markets. In response to concerns about loot boxes and their association with gambling behaviors among youth, the PEGI board introduced new age ratings in 2022, establishing PEGI 16 for loot boxes and PEGI 18 for NFTs, reflecting the evolving landscape of digital content governance.

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Story summary

The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) board will implement new age ratings for video games starting in June 2026, focusing on interactive risks to guide parents.
Loot boxes will generally receive a PEGI 16 rating.
NFTs will be rated PEGI 18, and titles with time-limited offers will be rated PEGI 12.
These changes apply only to new submissions, leaving existing games unaffected.

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