Summary

  • A gaming channel on YouTube called Balatro University found its videos featuring the game Balatro, a poker-inspired roguelike, had been age-restricted due to tighter gambling content policies on the platform.
  • However, YouTube has now said that this was a mistake and it is reviewing the situation.
  • The original age restriction stemmed from Balatro’s receipt of a PEGI 18 rating in Europe after its launch, which meant it contained gambling imagery, however, this was revised in February following an appeal.
  • The incident highlights the ongoing challenges around content moderation for companies such as YouTube.
  • While it attempts to restrict sensitive or inappropriate content, videos can sometimes be incorrectly flagged or restricted, and the process for reviewing these decisions can be arduous.
  • Balatro’s publisher, Playstack, has said the game does not actually involve gambling.

By Jay Peters

Original Article