LocalThunk’s recent hit game Balatro has found itself in hot water due to allegations of promoting gambling. This has led to the temporary removal of the game from some digital storefronts, causing confusion among players. Despite the fact that Balatro is not centered around gambling, global ratings boards have misunderstood the content and re-classified it to limit its audience.
In response to the controversy, game publisher Playstack took to Twitter to clarify the situation. They emphasized that Balatro does not endorse or feature gambling mechanics in any way. The sudden change in age rating from 3+ to 18+ by a ratings board caught them off guard, as there was no prior warning or consultation. Playstack defended the game’s creator, stating that they are vehemently against gambling and have taken great care to ensure that Balatro does not contain any gambling imagery or themes.
Playstack revealed that Balatro had previously undergone a rigorous review process by the ratings board back in October 2023. After an appeal, the game was re-rated as 3+ as the board found no evidence of gambling-related content. However, it seems that the rating has been reverted back to 18+ without any clear explanation. This inconsistency has caused frustration among both developers and players alike.
Currently, Playstack is actively working to address the situation and discuss possible solutions to reinstate Balatro on affected storefronts. One proposed solution is to temporarily assign an 18+ rating to the game until the matter is fully resolved. Despite the ongoing availability issue, existing players will still be able to access and enjoy Balatro. For potential buyers, it is advised to exercise patience as Playstack navigates through the process of restoring the game to its original status.
The allegations surrounding Balatro’s supposed promotion of gambling have placed LocalThunk and Playstack in a challenging position. It is crucial for both developers and ratings boards to communicate effectively and ensure that games are evaluated accurately. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough scrutiny and understanding of gaming content before making rash decisions that could impact a game’s reputation and availability.
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