Football games rated for ages 3+ now rated 16 over loot boxes
EA Sports FC games once rated PEGI 3 are now listed as PEGI 16. The reason is loot boxes.
PEGI, the age-rating system used across the UK and much of Europe, has started updating digital-only games that include paid random items. That phrase covers loot boxes and similar packs, items bought with real money where the contents are randomised. Any existing digital-only game rated PEGI 3, 7 or 12 that includes them will move to PEGI 16 – Paid random items, Eurogamer.
The EA Sports FC football series is included in the update. The games were previously rated PEGI 3, the lowest age band, which labelled them suitable for all ages. Zenless Zone Zero, an action role-playing game, has also moved from PEGI 12 to PEGI 16 under the same rules.
The change was reported on 20 October 2026, with the rollout expected to continue throughout October. Since June, newly submitted games have already been judged against expanded PEGI criteria, including new tests relating to interactive risks. Older digital listings are now being brought into line.
The update follows a policy outlined in March. At that time, PEGI said games containing loot boxes would carry a minimum 16 rating across Europe, IGN, including in the UK, BBC. The start was then planned for summer, Video Games Chronicle. In the UK, PEGI is administered by the Games Rating Authority.
For families, this means the number on the store page will look very different. A 16 rating does not ban a game for younger players, but it signals that the regulator considers paid random items unsuitable for children.
