Loot Box Age Rating Raised to PEGI 16 Across Europe
Published on by Zena Grantham
Video games featuring loot boxes will soon face stricter loot box age rating rules across Europe, including in the UK. Europe’s video game classification body confirmed changes to its rating system as early as June 2026.
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) organisation has announced that games featuring paid random reward systems, commonly known as loot boxes, will receive a PEGI 16 rating once the updated rules take effect in June.
PEGI ratings appear on physical and digital games across much of Europe and are designed to help consumers understand whether a game is suitable for certain age groups. The current system uses five age bands: 3, 7, 12, 16 and 18.
New Loot Box Age Rating Rules Explained
Loot boxes have become one of the most debated features in modern video games. They allow players to purchase digital items without knowing what they will receive in advance.
Because the rewards are random and sometimes purchased with real money, critics argue that loot boxes share similarities with gambling mechanics.
Under PEGI’s revised classification rules, games that contain “paid random items” will automatically receive a PEGI 16 rating. In some situations, where the systems are considered particularly aggressive, titles could be given a PEGI 18 rating instead.
The changes could affect a range of popular franchises that rely on loot box mechanics, including major sports games and online multiplayer titles.
Ratings System Used Across Europe
PEGI’s classification system is used in 38 countries, including the United Kingdom. It appears on both physical game packaging and digital storefronts.
According to PEGI, the updated rules are intended to make age ratings more useful for parents who want more transparent guidance on modern game features.
The organisation said the changes are designed to make it clearer when a game includes paid reward systems such as loot boxes.
However, the changes will only apply to new titles released after June 2026. Games released before this date will keep their current age classifications.
Calls for Stronger Protections
Some campaign groups believe the changes do not go far enough.
The Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust (YGam), a UK charity focused on preventing gambling harm, has welcomed the move. However, it argues that existing titles should also be reclassified.
Campaigners say many games already played by young audiences include loot box systems and should be reviewed under the new criteria.
Loot Boxes Still Outside UK Gambling Law
Despite ongoing debate, loot boxes remain outside UK gambling legislation.
In 2022, the UK government chose not to include them in the Gambling Act. They believed the evidence available did not demonstrate a direct link between loot boxes and gambling harm.
Instead, the gaming industry has introduced voluntary measures. Trade organisation Ukie issued guidance in 2023 recommending that companies prevent players under 18 from purchasing loot boxes without parental consent.
Advertising rules have also been tightened. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) requires video game marketing to disclose if a title includes loot box mechanics.
Wider Changes to PEGI Ratings
PEGI’s update will also affect other modern gaming features.
Games that include time-limited paid systems, such as battle passes, will receive a PEGI 12 rating. Titles featuring non-fungible tokens (NFTs) will be classified as PEGI 18.
Meanwhile, games that encourage players to return at specific times, such as daily quests, will receive a PEGI 7 rating. However, this rating may increase if players lose rewards or content for missing sessions.
Another notable change is that games without tools to report or block other players online could automatically receive a PEGI 18 classification.
Parental Awareness Remains Key
Industry observers say the impact of the new rules may ultimately depend on how seriously families treat the ratings.
While the classification system is widely recognised across Europe, age ratings do not prevent younger players from accessing games if parents choose to allow it.
For that reason, experts say understanding how loot boxes work will remain important for families navigating modern video games.