EA FC gets a new age rating after loot box rule changes

EA FC gets a new age rating after loot box rule changesImage source, EAImage caption, Kylian Mbappé is the cover star of the upcoming EA FC 27ByTom RichardsonBBC Newsbeat Published3 hours agoEA FC is one of the most popular video game series in the world, and reliably tops the UK charts each year.And as the trailer for the latest instalment of the annual football simulator dropped this week, one new addition drew a lot of attention.A 16+ age rating.Previously, the game had been marked as 3+, meaning its content was considered suitable for most players.But last month the scope of those age ratings expanded to cover elements of the online experience including in-game purchases and mechanisms designed to encourage repeat play.In the case of EA FC, one of its most popular features has come under the new rules.Image source, EAImage caption, Ultimate Team is based around collectible cards featuring player statisticsUltimate Team, commonly referred to as FUT, is one of the main modes of the EA FC series.Players can spend money on virtual card packs containing a random selection of star footballers to build a dream squad.It is possible to trade the cards and build up in-game "coins" without using real money, but it is generally seen as a slower and less effective way to play.Earlier this year The Pan-European Game Information body (PEGI), announced it was overhauling its age-rating system used in 38 countries including the UK. It made the decision to brand any game containing so-called loot boxes - "paid random items" - as a PEGI 16 by default. EA FC falls under the new rules due to the inclusion of FUT, earning it the higher rating. Critics have compared FUT and similar modes in other games to gambling, with recent research finding they "blurred the lines".Electronic Arts, the game's publisher, has pushed back on the claims and stressed players don't need to spend money to participate in FUT.The UK government chose not to bring loot...