PEGI begins moving existing digital-only games with loot boxes up to a 16 rating
The Games Rating Authority (GRA), which administers PEGI in the UK, has begun re-rating existing digital-only games that include paid random items such as loot boxes. Games currently rated PEGI 3, 7, or 12 are being moved up to PEGI 16 under the new “PEGI 16 - Paid random items” designation.
According to GRA policy manager Connor Hinde, the updated criteria began being applied to a selection of existing digital games last week, with updates continuing to roll out progressively through October. The new rating applies regardless of whether games were originally rated through PEGI’s Classic procedure or the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) system.
This policy change reflects growing regulatory scrutiny over loot box mechanics in games, particularly concerns about their potential impact on younger players. The move to assign PEGI 16 (suitable for ages 16+) recognition of loot boxes as a significant content concern that warrants a higher age rating than games without such paid random item mechanics.
For developers and publishers with digital games currently rated at lower PEGI levels, this represents a significant potential impact, as the higher rating could affect market reach and audience demographics. The progressive rollout through October suggests the GRA is implementing this change systematically across its catalog.