Closer the Distance

Game images by RAWG

Closer the Distance

Osmotic Studios (published by Skybound Games)

PC (Windows/Steam); PlayStation 5; Xbox Series X|SPaid (one-time purchase; optional paid soundtrack DLC)

Health Score

MIXED

Official Website

About This Game

A short, reflective slice‑of‑life simulation about a small town coping with an unexpected death. Players guide characters through grieving and day-to-day needs using choice- and time-management mechanics; the tone is somber, empathetic and emotionally heavy. citeturn0search5turn0search3

Score Breakdown

Positive Aspects

Educational Value

3/5

Creativity

2/5

Pro-Social

1/5

Risk Factors

Addictive Monetization

0/5

Time Pressure / FOMO

2/5

Social Risk

0/5

Content Intensity

3/5

Negatives

•Deals directly with death
•grief and emotionally heavy scenes that may upset younger players
•time-management pressure can produce stress for sensitive players. citeturn0news12turn1search4

Positives

•Emotionally mature
•empathetic storytelling
•accessible Sims-like mechanics make emotional work tangible for players. citeturn0news12turn0search3

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Official Ratings

ESRB

Use of Alcohol and TobaccoLanguageThemes of death and grief (content warning). (Platform stores list Teen/12+ content descriptors.) citeturn2search0turn1search0

Single-player only; no persistent online multiplayer; no aggressive in-game microtransactions (soundtrack sold separately as optional DLC). citeturn0search3turn0search4

PEGI

Mild swearing/languagereferences to alcoholemotionally intense themes and scenes (bereavement/grief). (IARC/region ratings indicate ~12+.) citeturn1search5turn0search3

Age Recommendations

ℹ️Ages 3-5

Not appropriate. Themes of death and grief, plus occasional strong emotional content, are likely distressing for preschool children.

ℹ️Ages 6-8

Not recommended. The emotional subject matter and some mild language make this unsuitable for most children in this age group without heavy parental support.

ℹ️Ages 9-12

Caution advised. Mature themes of bereavement and occasional mild language; younger players may find the subject matter upsetting—play together and discuss themes if allowed.

ℹ️Ages 13-15

Generally appropriate with parental guidance. Teen players can handle the themes, but be prepared for somber, emotional scenes and time-management stress. Good for discussions about grief and empathy.

ℹ️Ages 16-18

Appropriate. Older teens and adults will likely appreciate the narrative depth and mechanics; content is emotionally intense but non-graphic. citeturn0search3turn0news12