European game rating agency PEGI has begun applying stricter age classifications to titles containing paid random items, a policy shift that has resulted in EA Sports FC 27 receiving a PEGI 16 rating. This marks a sharp contrast to earlier entries in the franchise, which were rated suitable for all ages.
Shift in PEGI Rating Criteria
The change stems from an expanded set of assessment criteria introduced in March and implemented starting in June. According to Connor Hindle, policy manager for the UK’s Games Rating Authority, newly submitted games are now evaluated against new standards regarding interactive risks. These standards cover purchases of in-game content, paid random items, communication features, and mechanics designed to incentivize continued play.
Previously, rating systems like PEGI and the ESRB focused primarily on violence and sexual content. The new approach reflects a regulatory pivot toward the financial and psychological impacts of modern monetization models. Any game featuring loot boxes is now automatically rated PEGI 16 by default.
Comparison with Previous Titles and US Standards
The impact of this policy change is visible in the EA Sports FC series. While EA Sports FC 25 and earlier installments hold a PEGI 3 rating, the upcoming FC 27 has been bumped to PEGI 16. The rating breakdown for FC 27 details various purchase options, including FC points, a season pass, and player packs. The previous game was noted to have no rating issues under the old framework.
North America has not followed this path. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) stated in March that adding non-content related features to its rating process could confuse parents. Consequently, EA Sports FC 27 retains an E (Everyone) rating in the US, with a standard note indicating user interactions and in-game purchases.
Source: PC Gamer
