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Dark Matter

Review · Action · Linux · macOS · PC

Dark Matter

Reviewed: 27 May 2026

Linux · macOS · PC

Meridian4 · 2013

Ludograph rating

B

Good

62 /100

06010030BenefitLow riskB 45 · R 0
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

45

Risk (RIS)

0

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.54
B2Social-emotional
0.10
B3Motor
0.75

Dark Matter is a story-driven first-person shooter that engages players in a heroic quest to save Earth from space pirates. It promotes cognitive skills such as spatial awareness, problem-solving, and strategic thinking through its combat gameplay. The narrative encourages reading comprehension and provides a sense of purpose.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

As an FPS game, Dark Matter involves combat and violence, which may be a concern for some players. While it lacks manipulative monetization or social risks, the content includes shooting and fighting against enemies.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.33
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.33

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 Dark Matter safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Dark Matter a rating of 62/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is Dark Matter appropriate for?

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

How long should kids play Dark Matter?

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

As an FPS game, Dark Matter involves combat and violence, which may be a concern for some players. While it lacks manipulative monetization or social risks, the content includes shooting and fighting against enemies.