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Control

Review · Action · Xbox Series S/X · PlayStation 5 · Xbox One

Control

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

Xbox Series S/X · PlayStation 5 · Xbox One · PlayStation 4 · PC

505 Games · 2019

Ludograph rating

A

Recommended

71 /100

Control is an action-adventure game that builds problem solving and strategic thinking through complex navigation and combat, but is rated M for mature content.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 55 · R 2
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

55

Risk (RIS)

2

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.74
B2Social-emotional
0.10
B3Motor
0.75

Control offers significant cognitive benefits through complex problem-solving, spatial navigation in a non-euclidean environment, and strategic combat. It also provides strong motor skill development with precise hand-eye coordination and reaction time required for its action-oriented gameplay.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.03
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

The primary risks in Control stem from its M-rated content, including frequent violence and strong elements of fear and horror due to its paranormal themes. However, the game presents very low risks related to compulsion-loop design, monetization pressure, or social risks, as it is a single-player, one-time purchase experience without manipulative design mechanics.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.33
R4.3Language
0.67
R4.4Substance References
0.33
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 Control safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Control a rating of 71/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It scores well on developmental benefits with manageable risks.

What age is Control appropriate for?

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

How long should kids play Control?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Control: 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 Control?

The primary risks in Control stem from its M-rated content, including frequent violence and strong elements of fear and horror due to its paranormal themes. However, the game presents very low risks related to compulsion-loop design, monetization pressure, or social risks, as it is a single-player, one-time purchase experience without manipulative design mechanics.