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Half-Life: Before

Review · Action · PC

Half-Life: Before

Reviewed: 23 May 2026

PC

2009

Ludograph rating

B

Good

58 /100

06010030BenefitLow riskB 41 · R 0
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

41

Risk (RIS)

0

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.46
B2Social-emotional
0.10
B3Motor
0.75

Half-Life: Before offers an intense action experience within the beloved Half-Life universe, challenging players with problem-solving, strategic thinking, and quick reflexes. Its engaging narrative and enhanced visuals provide a rich, immersive single-player adventure.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

This game features high levels of violence, some language, and elements of fear/horror, consistent with the Half-Life series. While it avoids manipulative monetization or social risks, the intense content may not be suitable for all players.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.67
R4.4Substance References
0.33
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.67

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 Half-Life: Before safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Half-Life: Before a rating of 58/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is Half-Life: Before appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for Half-Life: Before, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Half-Life: Before?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Half-Life: Before: 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 Half-Life: Before?

This game features high levels of violence, some language, and elements of fear/horror, consistent with the Half-Life series. While it avoids manipulative monetization or social risks, the intense content may not be suitable for all players.