Compare this game
By the Light

Review · Shooter · PC

By the Light

Reviewed: 25 Jun 2026

PC

MADivaldo · 2023

Ludograph rating

B

Good

66 /100

06010030BenefitLow riskB 49 · R 0
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

49

Risk (RIS)

0

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.44
B2Social-emotional
0.47
B3Motor
0.65

By the Light offers a unique cooperative shooter experience that encourages teamwork and communication. Players develop problem-solving, spatial awareness, and reaction time skills while engaging in strategic combat against supernatural threats.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

The game features moderate to high levels of violence and horror themes, which may not be suitable for younger or sensitive players. However, it avoids manipulative design mechanics and monetization pressures.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.00
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
1.00

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSAAssessed: meets criteria·GDPR-KAssessed: meets criteria·ODDSAssessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Parents ask…

Is By the Light safe for kids?

Ludograph gives By the Light a rating of 66/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is By the Light appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for By the Light, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play By the Light?

We don't publish a daily session budget for By the Light: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of By the Light?

The game features moderate to high levels of violence and horror themes, which may not be suitable for younger or sensitive players. However, it avoids manipulative design mechanics and monetization pressures.