Oxenfree
LumiScore?Our 0–100 score for how developmentally beneficial and low-risk this game is for children. Higher is better.
Growth
46/100
Growth Value
- Reading & Language
- Communication
- Empathy
Risk
LOW
Engagement Patterns
Minimal pressure to spend or play excessively.
Heads up
Parent Pro-Tip
Play alongside or after your teen and use the branching dialogue choices as conversation starters: 'Why did you choose to say that to Ren? What would you have said differently?'
Top Skills Developed
Development Areas
Representation?How diverse the game's characters are in gender and ethnicity. Higher = more authentic representation. Display only — does not affect time recommendation.
Bechdel Test?The Bechdel Test checks whether a game has at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man. A simple measure of representation.— Passes the test
Multiple named female characters (Alex, Ren, Clarissa) interact with each other about the supernatural events and their relationships, not just about male characters.
Parent Pro-Tip
Discussing the choices Alex makes — and why — turns the game's strong empathy and ethical reasoning content into an active family dialogue about real-world social situations, amplifying its developmental benefits.
What your child develops
Oxenfree is an exceptional narrative adventure that places language, empathy, and ethical reasoning at the center of gameplay. Its branching dialogue system requires players to actively listen, infer emotional subtext, and make nuanced choices that affect relationships — building genuine communication and empathy skills. The mystery-laden storyline rewards careful attention, memory, and critical thinking as players piece together decades of cryptic history. Teens in particular benefit from the game's honest portrayal of grief, family tension, and friendship, inviting reflection on real social and emotional dynamics.
Regulatory Compliance
Tap a badge for details. Grey = not yet assessed.
About this game
SUMMER 2016's HUGE CONTENT UPDATE: The most mind bending game of the year has new storylines, scenes, and endings, plus a multi-episode behind-the-scenes documentary. "OXENFREE: The emotional adventure game you need to know about" - IGN "A mix of Freaks and Geeks, Poltergeist and the best teen films of the ’80s" – Polygon "Part teen drama, part terrifying ghost story" – Kill Screen Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller about a group of friends who unwittingly open a ghostly rift.