PEGI Re-Rates Digital-Only Loot Box Games to PEGI 16
Games rated PEGI 3, 7 or 12 with paid random items are being moved to PEGI 16, with the rollout continuing through October.
PEGI has begun re-rating existing digital-only games that contain paid random items such as loot boxes, moving titles currently rated PEGI 3, 7 or 12 up to a new "PEGI 16 - Paid random items" classification. According to gamesindustry.biz, the change applies whether a game was rated through PEGI's Classic procedure or the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) system.
The Games Rating Authority (GRA), which administers PEGI in the UK, started applying the updated criteria to selected existing digital titles the previous week. The re-rating will roll out progressively through October.
The GRA said a large number of ratings will change in a short space of time and directed publishers and developers to the PEGI Helpdesk for guidance.
Earlier ESRB position
In March 2025, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) said it would not adopt the age-rating changes announced by PEGI, citing concerns that the changes could be confusing for users.
Quick answers
What is the new PEGI rating for games with loot boxes?
Games with paid random items such as loot boxes are being re-rated to "PEGI 16 - Paid random items".
When will the PEGI re-rating take effect?
The Games Rating Authority began applying the updated criteria to selected existing digital games the previous week, and the rollout will continue progressively through October.
Does the re-rating apply to games rated through IARC?
Yes. The new rating applies whether the game was rated through PEGI's Classic procedure or the IARC system.