PEGI Overhauls Ratings to Target Loot Boxes and Daily Rewards

PEGI unveiled a sweeping update to its age-rating rules aimed at curbing loot boxes, microtransactions, NFTs, and play-by-appointment mechanics like daily rewards. Under the changes, NFTs or blockchain features trigger PEGI 18; paid time-limited offers can push to 12 (and paid random items often to 16); play-by-appointment mechanics may be rated 7 unless non-return penalties push it to 12; completely unrestricted online communication could be rated 18. The rules take effect June 2026, likely lifting games such as EA Sports FC titles to PEGI 16 or higher in Europe.