The viral hit game Balatro by LocalThunk has recently faced temporary removal from certain digital storefronts due to concerns that it promotes gambling. Despite assertions by players that Balatro is not a gambling-themed game, global ratings boards have misinterpreted the content and re-classified the game as unsuitable for certain audiences. This misunderstanding has led to restrictions being placed on the game, limiting its reach and availability to potential players.
According to statements made by game publisher Playstack on Twitter, the issue stems from an abrupt change in Balatro’s age rating by a ratings board without prior notice. The board mistakenly concluded that the game contains prominent gambling imagery and instructional material related to gambling, leading to the drastic shift in its classification from 3+ to 18+. Playstack vehemently denies these claims, emphasizing that Balatro neither allows nor encourages gambling in any form. The company asserts that the rating decision is unfounded, considering the game’s development by an individual who is openly against gambling.
Playstack reveals that Balatro had previously undergone a thorough review process by the ratings board in October 2023, resulting in an initial 3+ rating after an appeal. The board had initially classified the game as 18+, but after a series of discussions, it was determined that the inclusion of gambling themes was unjustified. Despite the successful appeal and subsequent reclassification to 3+, Balatro has, inexplicably, been reclassified to 18+ once again, causing confusion and frustration among players and the development team.
Playstack is actively addressing the situation and working towards resolving the issue to restore Balatro’s availability on affected storefronts. Discussions are underway to explore potential solutions, including the possibility of temporarily assigning an 18+ rating to the game until the matter is fully resolved. Players who have already purchased Balatro will still have access to the game regardless of its status on digital storefronts. Those looking to acquire the game from impacted platforms are advised to remain patient as Playstack navigates the process of rectifying the availability problem.
The temporary removal of Balatro from digital storefronts highlights the challenges faced by developers in navigating the intricacies of ratings boards and classification systems. The incident underscores the importance of clear communication and transparency in such evaluations to prevent misunderstandings that can adversely impact a game’s accessibility and reception. Playstack’s proactive response to the situation reflects their commitment to addressing issues promptly and ensuring that players can continue to enjoy Balatro without unnecessary restrictions.
Leave a Reply