The video game landscape in the UK is set for a shift as the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system introduces new age ratings to address concerns surrounding loot boxes and other potentially harmful game mechanics. These changes, announced recently, reflect growing scrutiny of monetization strategies within games and their potential impact, particularly on younger players. The new guidelines will see games containing loot boxes receive a PEGI 16 rating, signaling a move towards greater transparency and parental guidance in a market where these features remain largely unregulated by law.
Despite ongoing debate, the UK government has so far stopped short of amending the Gambling Act 2005 to specifically include loot boxes. A 2022 review found no conclusive evidence of a direct “causative link” between loot boxes and gambling harm, leading officials to refrain from legislative intervention. However, the industry itself has begun to respond to pressure, with trade body Ukie publishing guidance in 2023 urging game companies to restrict purchases of loot boxes by those under 18 without parental consent. This latest move by PEGI builds on that momentum, aiming to provide clearer information to consumers and parents about the content they are accessing.
New Ratings Reflect Modern Game Design
The changes extend beyond loot boxes. Games featuring time-limited systems, such as paid battle passes, will now receive a PEGI 12 rating. Perhaps more significantly, games incorporating non-fungible tokens (NFTs) will be assigned the highest age rating of PEGI 18. This reflects concerns about the speculative nature of NFTs and their potential to expose players to financial risks. Notably, the hugely popular game Fortnite, which utilizes various paid-for passes, is already rated PEGI 12, demonstrating the immediate impact of these new guidelines.
The updated PEGI system also addresses “play-by-appointment” mechanics, like daily quests. These will initially receive a PEGI 7 rating, but will be upgraded to PEGI 12 if the game “punishes players for not returning,” for example, by removing content as a consequence of missed daily challenges. Games lacking any mechanisms for players to report or block online harassment will automatically receive a PEGI 18 rating, highlighting the importance of online safety features.
Industry Response and Parental Role
While the new ratings are being welcomed as a positive step, some question their practical impact. Freelance video games journalist Vic Hood suggests that the effectiveness of these changes will largely depend on parental awareness and engagement. “In reality, it will largely be down to parents to educate themselves on why these changes have been brought in and decide for themselves if they deem the games (and their loot box mechanics) suitable for their child,” she said.
Dr. Ruijie Wang, who led a January 2025 study from Bournemouth University into the harmful risks of gambling on young people, echoed this sentiment, stating that recognizing loot boxes as a risk factor in age ratings is “an important step towards reflecting the realities of modern game design, helping to provide parents with clearer signals about potential harms.” Dr. Wang’s research highlights that loot boxes are “one of the most studied examples of gambling-like mechanics in games.”
Advertising Standards Authority Scrutiny
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is also playing a role in regulating loot boxes, banning and removing advertisements that fail to clearly disclose their presence within games. This adds another layer of consumer protection, ensuring that players are aware of the potential for randomized rewards before engaging with a game.
The lack of specific legislation governing loot boxes in the UK remains a key point of discussion. The 2022 government decision not to amend the Gambling Act 2005 continues to shape the regulatory landscape, leaving the industry to largely self-regulate with guidance from bodies like Ukie and now, more directly, through the PEGI ratings system.
Looking ahead, the effectiveness of these new PEGI ratings will be closely monitored. The industry will likely continue to evolve its monetization strategies and further adjustments to the regulatory framework may be necessary to address emerging concerns. The conversation around loot boxes and their potential harms is far from over, and ongoing dialogue between developers, regulators, and consumer advocates will be crucial in shaping the future of gaming.
What are your thoughts on the new PEGI ratings? Share your opinions in the comments below!
