PEGI begins moving digital-only games with paid random items from ratings of 3, 7 or 12 to 16

GamesIndustry.biz reports that existing digital-only games with paid random items, including loot boxes, are being re-rated PEGI 16 if they currently carry a PEGI 3, 7 or 12 rating. The Games Rating Authority, which administers PEGI in the UK, said it had begun applying the criteria to selected games. The changes were set to roll out progressively through October 2026, regardless of whether a game was originally rated through PEGI Classic or IARC.