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Gateways

Review · Action · macOS · PC · Linux

Gateways

Reviewed: 01 May 2026

macOS · PC · Linux

Smudged Cat Games · 2012

Ludograph rating

C

Mixed

54 /100

Automated review

Gateways is an action puzzle-platformer that builds problem solving and spatial awareness through engaging challenges.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 37 · R 0
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

37

Risk (RIS)

0

Daily limit

120min

Age guidance

7+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.56
B2Social-emotional
0.00
B3Motor
0.45

Gateways is a highly engaging puzzle-platformer that excels in fostering cognitive development. Players will significantly enhance their problem-solving, spatial awareness, strategic thinking, and critical thinking skills as they navigate complex puzzles using unique gateway mechanics. The game also promotes learning transfer as players apply newly acquired abilities to overcome increasingly challenging obstacles.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

Gateways presents minimal risks. It features no monetization schemes, social interaction risks, or manipulative dopamine design mechanics. Content risks are also very low, with no explicit violence, sexual content, or problematic language.

Content (not in risk score)

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

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

Regulatory design checks · DSA — Assessed: meets criteria·GDPR-K — Assessed: meets criteria·ODDS — Assessed: 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.

Avg playtime~1 hReviewedMay 2026Report a data error →How scores are calculated →

Parents ask…

Is Gateways safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Gateways a rating of 54/100, recommended for ages 7 and up. It delivers genuine benefits but carries design risks that deserve a close look.

What age is Gateways appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 7+ for Gateways, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Gateways?

Our session recommendation for Gateways is up to 120 minutes per day. It is derived from the game's own structure (natural stopping points, compulsion-loop design, monetization pressure, and social dynamics), not from a universal screen-time dose.

Session recommendations are design-based heuristics. Evidence linking specific daily durations to child outcomes is limited, and context matters as much as time; treat this as a starting point for household rules, not a clinical threshold.

What are the main risks of Gateways?

Gateways presents minimal risks. It features no monetization schemes, social interaction risks, or manipulative dopamine design mechanics. Content risks are also very low, with no explicit violence, sexual content, or problematic language.