PEGI to give 16 age rating to UK games with loot boxes

March 13, 2026 - 19:41

A significant shift is coming to video game age ratings across Europe. The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) system will now assign a minimum age rating of 16 to any game featuring paid loot boxes. This landmark decision is set to take effect starting in June.

Loot boxes, virtual containers that players can purchase with real money to receive random in-game items, have long been a source of controversy. Critics argue their mechanics closely resemble gambling, potentially exploiting younger players. The new policy directly addresses these widespread concerns by legally restricting access for younger audiences.

This move by PEGI, which sets age ratings for games in over thirty European countries including the United Kingdom, represents a major regulatory step. It will compel game publishers to clearly disclose the presence of such mechanics and ensure younger teenagers cannot officially purchase these titles. The decision underscores a growing international consensus on the potential risks of loot boxes, pushing the industry toward greater transparency and consumer protection for vulnerable players.