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We evaluate every game on seven key dimensions to answer two critical questions: What does this game give your child? What does it ask in return?
Three dimensions measuring positive value
Four dimensions measuring potential risks
We combine the three benefit dimensions with weighted averages:
Educational Value gets the highest weight (40%) because we prioritize learning and growth, but we still value creativity (35%) and social connection (25%) strongly.
We combine the four risk dimensions with weighted averages:
Monetization has the highest weight (40%) because exploitative systems can harm any age. Content Intensity is lower (10%) since some mature themes are acceptable for older players.
We blend benefits and safety into a single 0-100 score:
60% comes from what the game gives your child (learning, creativity, social value)
40% comes from how safe the design is (low pressure, safer community, milder content)
Our scoring system rates games, not kids. Some children can handle more intense content than others. Some are more vulnerable to social pressure or compulsive play. Family rules, communication, and values matter a lot.
A healthy gaming life can include some "just for fun" titles and even a little "junk food." We're not saying kids should only play high-score games. We're saying it's important to know what a game is giving and what it's asking in return.
This scoring model is designed to be transparent, updatable, and honest about uncertainty. As research evolves and games change, we adjust. This is a living system that will keep getting better over time.
Think of GameCompass as a nutrition label for games. We don't tell you what to play—we give you the information you need to make decisions that fit your child, your values, and your home.
Learn about the scientific evidence that informed our rating system.