European gamers can expect a significant shift in how video games are rated starting in July 2026, as the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) system introduces new categories to address modern gaming mechanics. The changes, designed to provide parents and players with clearer information, will specifically focus on in-app purchases, paid random items – often referred to as loot boxes – play-by-appointment features, and online communities. This overhaul marks a substantial pivot in game classification across the UK and Europe, moving beyond traditional ratings based on violence, sex, and drug content.
For years, concerns have been raised about the potential for exploitation and gambling-like behavior associated with loot boxes and other in-game monetization strategies. The new PEGI ratings aim to address these concerns by providing a more nuanced understanding of the “interactive risk” posed by these features. The move follows similar changes implemented by the German age rating authority, USK, in 2023, demonstrating a growing international effort to regulate these aspects of game design. Understanding these changes is crucial for both parents and gamers as they navigate the evolving landscape of video game content, and spending.
New PEGI Ratings: A Breakdown
The updated PEGI system will categorize games based on several key features. Games featuring time-limited or quantity-limited offers will receive a PEGI 12 rating, while those incorporating Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) or blockchain-related mechanisms will be classified as PEGI 18. Perhaps the most impactful change concerns paid random items. games containing these will default to a PEGI 16 rating, with some cases potentially receiving an 18 rating depending on the specifics.
Mechanisms designed to encourage daily engagement, such as daily quests, will receive a PEGI 7 rating. However, if these “play-by-appointment” features punish players for not returning – for example, by losing progress or content – the rating will increase to PEGI 12. Finally, games with entirely unrestricted online communication features, lacking blocking or reporting mechanisms, will be assigned a PEGI 18 rating. These new classifications are intended to give consumers a clearer picture of the potential risks and rewards associated with different game features.
Impact on Popular Titles, Including EA’s FC Series
Publishers will now be required to provide additional information to PEGI to facilitate accurate classification. The organization anticipates that the first games rated under these new criteria will be announced later this summer. One game series expected to be significantly impacted by these changes is EA’s FC (formerly FIFA) series. Currently holding a PEGI 3 rating, the inclusion of loot boxes in its Ultimate Team mode – a major revenue driver for EA – will likely result in a reclassification to PEGI 16.
The Ultimate Team mode allows players to purchase virtual card packs with real money, introducing an element of chance that has drawn criticism from consumer groups and regulators. This change highlights the growing scrutiny of in-game monetization practices and their potential impact on players, particularly younger audiences.
Parental Tools and Ongoing Development
PEGI emphasizes that these new ratings are designed to work in conjunction with existing parental control tools available on all major video game platforms. These tools allow parents to limit or block spending, manage online interactions, and control playtime. Publishers are also increasingly incorporating similar features directly into their games, providing parents with more granular control over their children’s gaming experiences.
“PEGI and its administrators have been working with a broad group of stakeholders and experts to define the boundaries of these new criteria,” the organization stated. “Helping parents produce informed decisions by providing clear warnings was key in the determination process, as was the existence of other protective measures like parental tools.”
The implementation of these new ratings represents a significant step towards a more transparent and responsible gaming ecosystem in Europe. As the industry continues to evolve, PEGI’s ongoing commitment to adapting its classification system will be crucial in protecting players and empowering parents to make informed choices.
What comes next will be watching how publishers respond to these new guidelines and how effectively the ratings are communicated to consumers. The first wave of games classified under the new criteria, expected later this year, will provide a crucial test case for the system’s effectiveness.
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