SerpApi.Org
After a slow summer as the world’s attention was on the real football being played at the World Cup, the news has been coming thick and fast for EA FC 27 in recent days. Yesterday brought news that, fresh off winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup, French Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé would be gracing the cover of the next EA FC game. Now we have an alleged first look at the cover of the game’s European edition, and it appears to confirm prior speculation about the game’s rating.
The change results from legislation implementing monetization mechanics deemed unsuitable for children. Previously, games in the series carried a PEGI 3 rating, the equivalent of an Everyone (E) rating in the United States. This is because rating systems have generally been based on violence, adult language, and sexual content, all of which are largely absent in most AAA sports titles.
Under new regulations, however, potentially predatory spending opportunities also can necessitate a higher rating. Any game offering a season pass option receives a minimum of a PEGI 12 rating, the equivalent of a Teen (T) rating in the United States. Games which offer lootboxes have been deemed to contain gambling content, resulting in a minimum rating of PEGI 16, on par with a Mature 17+ (M) rating in the United States.
As the online Ultimate Team game mode prominently features lootbox mechanics in the packs players can purchase, the game was expected to be bumped up under the new rules, and now it appears that change has gone into effect. While unlikely to significantly hinder European sales of the gaming giant, it will mean it’s harder for younger gamers to purchase the game.
