Review · Action · PlayStation 4 · PC · Xbox One
Little Nightmares: Secrets of the Maw
Reviewed: 18 May 2026
PlayStation 4 · PC · Xbox One
Tarsier Studios · 2017
Ludograph rating
Growth (BDS)
37
Risk (RIS)
12
Daily limit
120min
Age guidance
13+
Developmental benefits
| B1 | Cognitive | 0.48 | |
| B2 | Social-emotional | 0.17 | |
| B3 | Motor | 0.40 | |
Little Nightmares: Secrets of the Maw is a puzzle-platformer that encourages problem-solving, spatial awareness, and strategic thinking as players navigate a dark and oppressive world. The game's atmosphere and narrative can foster empathy and emotional regulation through its themes of fear, vulnerability, and survival.
Design risks
| R1 | Compulsion-loop pressure | 0.23 | |
| R2 | Monetization | 0.00 | |
| R3 | Social risk | 0.06 | |
The game's primary risks stem from its dark and suspenseful content, which includes scenes of violence and intense fear/horror that may be disturbing for younger children. The narrative also features elements of loss aversion and near-miss situations which can create anxiety, though these are not central to the game's monetization or long-term engagement strategy. While there are no direct monetization risks, the themes of identity and self-worth could be subtly impacted by the narrative's focus on a vulnerable protagonist in a hostile world.
Content (not in risk score)
| R4.1 | Violence Level | 0.67 | |
| R4.2 | Sexual Content | 0.00 | |
| R4.3 | Language | 0.00 | |
| R4.4 | Substance References | 0.00 | |
| R4.5 | Fear / Horror | 1.00 | |
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.