You might be surprised to see a 17+ age rating on a simple-looking puzzle game like Block Blast. It’s a game of fitting blocks together, so why the high rating? It’s a question a lot of parents and players are asking.

The short answer is that the 17+ rating is not because of violence or adult themes in the game itself. Instead, it’s due to features that are considered mature, like simulated gambling and the types of ads that are shown.

Why the 17+ Rating?

Let's break down the two main reasons why Block Blast has this age restriction:

• Simulated Gambling: The game includes elements that are a lot like gambling. Think of treasure chests or prize wheels where you can win in-game items. Because you can use real money to get more chances to win, this is considered "simulated gambling." App stores have strict rules about this and often require a higher age rating for games that have these features. One time I was so close to beating my high score, and I was tempted to buy some extra moves. It's easy to see how someone could get carried away with spending money.
• Inappropriate Ads: Block Blast is a free game, and it makes money by showing ads from other companies. The developers of Block Blast don't always have full control over which ads are shown. Sometimes, these ads can be for other games or apps that are not suitable for younger kids. These ads might have violent or suggestive themes. It’s a common issue with free-to-play games, and it’s a big reason for the 17+ rating. I've been in the middle of a game and had an ad pop up for an AI girlfriend app that was pretty graphic. It was a little jarring and definitely not something I'd want a kid to see.

It's important to remember that the game of Block Blast itself is a simple and fun puzzle game. The core gameplay doesn't have any mature content. The age rating is there to warn users about the other features that are part of the overall app experience.

If you’re looking to make some in-app purchases in Block Blast or any other mobile game, did you know you can earn gift cards by playing games on Playstorm? With Playstorm, you can play fun games and earn gems that you can redeem for Google Play or Apple App Store gift cards. It’s a great way to get those extra in-game items without spending your own money.