Pixel P&L: Balatro’s PEGI Reclassification Could Set a Precedent for Game Developers
In today’s Pixel P&L, we cover PEGI’s policy shift on gambling imagery following Balatro’s successful appeal against its 18+ rating, a decision that could reshape content classification for gambling-adjacent games. We also report on India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting-backed WAVES 2025 announcing its dates, Bengaluru’s plans to host a major AVGC-XR event, and more.
PEGI Alters Stance on Gambling Imagery, Easing Path for Developers
PEGI has overturned its controversial 18+ rating for Balatro, reclassifying the hit roguelike card game as suitable for players 12 and older. The reversal follows an appeal by the game’s pseudonymous creator, LocalThunk, who argued that Balatro—which encourages players to build poker hands but lacks betting or real-money elements—was unfairly categorized. Luck Be a Landlord, another title featuring gambling-inspired mechanics, also saw its rating lowered.
The decision signals a shift in regulatory thinking that could have far-reaching business implications. By acknowledging the need for a more nuanced approach, PEGI has opened the door for more developers to incorporate gambling-like mechanics without automatically facing the industry’s strictest rating. With Balatro surpassing 5 million units sold, the reclassification could fuel additional growth.
PEGI now plans to refine its policies to distinguish between games that simulate casino-style gambling and those that merely reference its aesthetics.
WAVES 2025 Confirms May 1-4 Dates for Mumbai Summit
The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) will take place from May 1-4, 2025, at Jio World Center, Mumbai, organizers confirmed. The event, which focuses on India’s media and entertainment sector, will bring together industry leaders to discuss trends in AI, AR/VR, gaming, digital advertising, and generative AI.
With tech talks, workshops, networking sessions, and cultural showcases, WAVES 2025 aims to foster collaboration between global stakeholders and position India as a leader in media innovation and investment. The summit will also feature a media marketplace and industry pitch sessions, highlighting new opportunities in the sector.
Quick Bytes
Bengaluru to GAFX 2025 AVGC-XR Conference
Bengaluru will host GAFX 2025, an Indian AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) conference, from Feb. 27 to March 1 at Hotel Lalit Ashok. Organized by Karnataka’s Ministry of ITBT, the event is expected to draw over 20,000 attendees, marking a significant expansion from previous years. The conference will bring together creators, studios, investors, and policymakers to discuss the evolving role of immersive technologies in entertainment.
Flexion Partners With EA to Expand Mobile Reach Beyond Google and Apple
Flexion will distribute select EA mobile games across alternative app stores, including Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, ONE Store, and Xiaomi GetApps. The first titles under the partnership will launch in Q1 2025. By leveraging Flexion’s distribution services, EA aims to tap into new audiences while reducing the financial and operational burden of expanding beyond traditional storefronts.
Unity Cuts Workforce, Closes Offices Amid Costly Restructuring
Unity slashed its workforce to 4,987 employees by the end of 2024, down nearly 1,800 from the prior year, incurring $214 million in related costs. The game engine and advertising firm also shut 23 offices, reducing its global footprint to 34 locations across 17 countries. Despite restructuring, Unity reported a 25% year-over-year revenue decline in Q4 2024 to $457 million, with a net loss of $123 million. However, shares surged 36% after the company unveiled Vector, an AI-powered ads platform aimed at revitalizing its ad business, which it admitted was struggling against rising competition.
💡Did You Know
The longest video game marathon lasted 138 hours and 34 seconds, with California teacher Carrie Swidecki dancing non-stop in Just Dance for nearly six days. But for Swidecki, this record was about more than endurance. It was a milestone in a 20-year journey that transformed her life.
Once struggling with obesity, she discovered Dance Dance Revolution and turned gaming into a tool for fitness, education, and advocacy. Now a multiple Guinness World Record holder, she has raised over $100,000 for children’s hospitals and champions gaming as a way to promote health.
📜Quote of the Day
"I fight until the blood takes the spear from my grasp, until I can only crawl. And even then, you will not defeat me, even then, I will spit in your face!"
Pantheon, League of Legends
Join hundreds of top industry executives who rely on us to stay up to date with the latest industry developments and sharpest insights.
A daily dose of gaming, esports and youth culture industry information.
Delivered to your email once every weekday.
Free of cost.
