Originally published at: 'Balatro' Removed From Some Console Storefronts Following Overnight Age Rating Change - XboxEra
Publisher Playstack Games took to Twitter today to detail an “overnight change” done by a particular age rating board (they weren’t named in the statement, but said board is the UK’s PEGI) caused their latest roguelike poker-themed deck builder ‘Balatro’ to be removed from some storefronts. Due to a change in the game’s rating description, stating that the game contains “prominent gambling imagery”, Balatro’s age rating shot up from 3+ to a PEGI 18+ rating, triggering a removal of the game from some countries’ console storefronts.
— Playstack (@PlaystackGames) March 1, 2024
Now these storefronts weren’t named either (and are not the ones of the issue at hand) but a quick look up of the Nintendo eShop across European territories and the UK shows that Balatro is no longer listed (this author attempted a search of the PlayStation storefront but yielded zero results for the game across all territories.) The Xbox Store remains unaffected and you can currently purchase the game on the UK and French storefronts with no issues. New rating in tow et al.
The publisher’s frustrations continue as the company specifically raised the issue with the ratings board ahead of time, being granted an appeal that brought its rating to 3+ from its initial rating of 18+. Balatro’s developer is also “staunchly anti-gambling” and the company explains that allow or encourage gambling in any capacity—believing that PEGI’s decision is unfounded. Playstack will continue to appeal the board’s decision and is working to restore the game back on affected storefronts, likely with a temporary 18+ rating.
Certainly a frustrating experience, but thankfully this fantastic little deckbuilder is available everywhere else including Steam (and it’ll run on anything, too) and Xbox consoles. Check out our review of the game here, where our editor explains why Balatro is a must-play roguelike.