LocalThunk’s popular game Balatro has recently faced some unexpected challenges, as it has been removed from several Switch eShops in Europe without any prior notice. The reason behind this sudden removal is a change in Balatro’s age rating by the European ratings board PEGI, which was increased from 3+ to 18+. This change has left the publisher, Playstack, disappointed and perplexed.
In a statement issued on Twitter, Playstack expressed their disappointment in the actions of the ratings board, especially after they had resolved the issue regarding gambling themes in the game during an appeal in October 2023. Playstack believed that the game did not contain any gambling elements and had taken utmost care to prevent any such mechanics from being included.
According to Playstack, the decision to change the age rating overnight was unfounded, and they are determined to get the game back on sale as soon as possible. They assured their fans that they are working diligently to resolve the issue and mentioned that Balatro will still be available on PC stores, including Steam.
Playstack also apologized to the fans who would not be able to access the game during the weekend and expressed their gratitude for the support and passion shown towards Balatro. They highlighted the positive response received by the game, including a 10/10 review from NintendoLife.
Meanwhile, Nintendo Life, a prominent gaming publication, recently published a review of Balatro, unaware of its removal from European eShops. The review praised the game, but unfortunately, European Switch gamers will have to wait until the issue is resolved to enjoy it.
The article also mentions that Balatro is still available on the US Switch eShop, with an ESRB rating of 10+ and a note about “Gambling Themes”. This indicates that the game might contain elements related to gambling but does not specifically encourage or endorse it.
The removal of Balatro from European Switch eShops raises questions about the role and responsibility of ratings boards in determining age ratings for games. It also highlights the importance of clear and effective communication between game developers, publishers, and ratings boards to avoid such sudden changes and unexpected consequences.
The incident with Balatro also brings attention to the larger issue of how games with potentially controversial content, such as gambling themes, are evaluated and regulated. As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, there is a need for transparent and consistent guidelines to ensure that age ratings accurately reflect the content of games.
Looking ahead, it is crucial for ratings boards to work closely with developers and take into account their efforts to address and mitigate concerns, as Playstack claims to have done in the case of Balatro. This collaboration can help avoid unnecessary disruptions and allow gamers to access the content they enjoy, while also maintaining appropriate safeguards for minors.
Furthermore, the incident with Balatro highlights the increasing importance of online platforms in the gaming industry and the challenges associated with maintaining consistent ratings across different regions and platforms. As games become more globally accessible, it is essential for ratings boards and platform holders to streamline their processes and ensure consistent enforcement of age ratings.
In conclusion, the removal of Balatro from European Switch eShops has shed light on the complexities and challenges involved in the age rating system for video games. This incident serves as a reminder for the gaming industry to foster better communication and collaboration between developers, publishers, and ratings boards to ensure that age ratings accurately reflect the content of games and avoid unnecessary disruptions for gamers.