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Quake IV

Review · Action · Xbox 360 · macOS · Linux

Quake IV

Reviewed: 11 May 2026

Xbox 360 · macOS · Linux · PC

id Software · 2005

Ludograph rating

C

Mixed

50 /100

Quake IV is a shooter that develops hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and problem solving, but contains intense violence and mature themes.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 35 · R 11
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

35

Risk (RIS)

11

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.40
B2Social-emotional
0.13
B3Motor
0.65

Quake IV offers intense first-person shooter action with a strong focus on tactical combat and squad-based mechanics. Players will develop hand-eye coordination and reaction time, and engage in strategic thinking to overcome alien threats. The single-player campaign provides a clear narrative and objectives, while multiplayer offers competitive challenges.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.06

The game features intense violence with realistic depictions of gore and dismemberment, as well as strong language and frightening situations. Players are constantly under threat from alien enemies. While there are no microtransactions, the competitive nature of multiplayer could expose players to mild toxicity.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.67
R4.4Substance References
0.00
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 Quake IV safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Quake IV a rating of 50/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It delivers genuine benefits but carries design risks that deserve a close look.

What age is Quake IV appropriate for?

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

How long should kids play Quake IV?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Quake IV: 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 Quake IV?

The game features intense violence with realistic depictions of gore and dismemberment, as well as strong language and frightening situations. Players are constantly under threat from alien enemies. While there are no microtransactions, the competitive nature of multiplayer could expose players to mild toxicity.