Balatro, the latest sensation in the world of roguelike card games, has found itself embroiled in controversy as it has been removed from several digital storefronts due to a change in its age rating, prompted by concerns related to perceived gambling elements.
Publisher Playstack Games has strongly contested this decision, labeling it as “unfounded” and asserting their determination to contest the removal of Balatro from these platforms.
Upon investigating online, Balatro, touted as the “definitive poker roguelike,” remains accessible on major platforms across North America. However, it now carries a 10+ ESRB rating and a disclaimer regarding “Gambling Themes.”
Notably, the UK Xbox and PlayStation stores have assigned it a PEGI 18 rating with a warning for “Prominent Gambling Imagery.” Meanwhile, the game seems to have been temporarily withdrawn from the Nintendo UK store.
While we're at it, can y'all stop calling this game "Crack cocaine" before the FDA comes after us too? https://t.co/Xvxbai42vm
— Wout – The Balatro Joker (@TheHashtag0nist) March 1, 2024
Playstack Games issued a statement expressing confidence in Balatro’s continued availability on PC platforms like Steam, attributing the alteration in its listing on digital stores to a sudden escalation in its age rating. They assured players of their commitment to swiftly restoring the game for purchase.
The publisher clarified that the shift in Balatro’s age rating from 3+ to 18+ was not a result of inherent changes in the game itself but rather a decision made by a rating board without prior notice.
They vehemently denied the game’s endorsement or promotion of gambling activities, highlighting the developer’s firm stance against gambling and the meticulous efforts undertaken to ensure the absence of gambling mechanics within Balatro.
Playstack also revealed that they had previously contested a similar decision by the rating board in October, which temporarily raised the age rating due to analogous concerns about gambling themes. Subsequently, the decision was overturned upon the realization that the disclosure of gambling themes was unjustified.
Adding a touch of levity to the situation, Playstack’s PR manager Wout van Halderen humorously requested to refrain from dubbing the game as “crack cocaine” to avoid potential repercussions from regulatory bodies.
In response to the controversy, an anonymous developer identified as LocalThunk affirmed their disapproval of gambling and rejected assertions that Balatro includes gambling elements. They acknowledged the incorporation of risk/reward mechanics and RNG (Random Number Generation) but emphasized these as fundamental features of the genre rather than gambling mechanisms.
Balatro, described as a poker-inspired deck-builder infused with roguelike elements, has garnered significant acclaim for its innovative gameplay, deviating from traditional poker rules in captivating ways.
Alongside Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, it stands as one of the highest-rated games of 2024, maintaining its momentum without signs of decline. LocalThunk expressed enthusiasm for further development, hinting at plans to introduce more creative elements, such as additional Joker cards, to enhance the game’s depth and longevity.
