FC 27 age rating explained: Why is it PEGI 16?

Since time immemorial (1993), the FIFA and now EA FC series has been rated PEGI 3 – so what has FC 27 done to warrant a 16 rating?

If you know much about the game, and various video game controversies over the past decade or so, then you likely already have an idea.

But for the full explanation of the new FC 27 age rating, here's why the game is now PEGI 16.

FC 27 has been rated as PEGI 16 because of recent changes to the age rating system with regard to in-game purchases.

Previously, the EA FC and FIFA series had always had a 3+ rating, meaning it was suitable for anyone aged three and over.

But earlier this year, the Pan-European Game Information body (PEGI) confirmed an overhaul to its rating system, deciding that any and all games that feature "paid random items" – loot boxes to you and me – must be rated PEGI 16 by default.

This is because the system is regarded as being similar to gambling and therefore may have adverse effects on children who engage with it.

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This decision applies to Ultimate Team, where players can purchase in-game packs using real money, which can be opened for the chance to earn players to use in their team.

According to the BBC, EA's most recent financial report declared that of a $5.5 billion annual revenue made via selling add-on content in games, EA FC and Ultimate Team accounted for a "substantial portion".

As for what this means for consumers, the reality is very little.

Younger-looking players may need to show ID to purchase the game, while children will now require an adult to purchase it for them (although we imagine the vast majority of them would be doing so regardless).

To date, Belgium remains the only nation with a blanket ban on all loot box-type mechanics in games, with The Netherlands, Spain, China and Japan all having varying levels of restrictions without a total ban.

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Authors

Alex Raisbeck is a Gaming Writer at Radio Times, covering everything from AAA giants to indie gems. Alex has written for VideoGamer, GamesRadar+, PC Gamer, PCGamesN and more.