EA's bestselling football video game gets 16+ age rating due to loot boxes
The video game EA FC has received a 16+ age rating from PEGI due to the inclusion of loot boxes in its Ultimate Team mode. Regulators are increasingly scrutinizing these in-game purchases, which critics argue share similarities with gambling.
Why it matters
This reflects a growing global regulatory trend to protect minors from gambling-like mechanics in digital entertainment.
Image source, EA Image caption, Kylian Mbappé is the cover star of the upcoming EA FC 27
EA FC is one of the most popular video game series in the world, and reliably tops the UK charts each year.
And as the trailer for the latest instalment of the annual football simulator dropped this week, one new addition drew a lot of attention.
Previously, the game had been marked as 3+, meaning its content was considered suitable for most players.
But last month the scope of those age ratings expanded to cover elements of the online experience including in-game purchases and mechanisms designed to encourage repeat play.
In the case of EA FC, one of its most popular features has come under the new rules.
Image source, EA Image caption, Ultimate Team is based around collectible cards featuring player statistics
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