LumiKin
Metacritic 66

The Novelist

Orthogonal Games|2013AdventureCasualIndie

LumiScore

62

out of 100

Appropriate for most ages with parental supervision

Up to120min/day

Heads up

💸 Monthly cost: Free

Growth

45/100

Developing

Growth Value

Risk

1/100

LOW

Engagement Patterns

Parent Pro-Tip

This game is an excellent choice for families looking for a mature and emotionally resonant experience. Engage with your child about the difficult choices presented in the game and discuss the various outcomes and their ethical implications. This can be a valuable tool for fostering empathy and critical thinking regarding real-life dilemmas.

Top Skills Developed

Critical Thinking5/5
Reading & Language5/5
Empathy5/5
Ethical Reasoning5/5
Problem Solving3/5

Development Areas

CognitiveProblem solving, spatial awareness, strategic thinking, creativity, memory, and learning transfer. Weighted 50% of the Benefit Score.
58
Social & EmotionalTeamwork, communication, empathy, emotional regulation, and ethical reasoning. Weighted 30% of the Benefit Score.
47
Motor SkillsHand-eye coordination, fine motor control, reaction time, and physical activity. Weighted 20% of the Benefit Score.
10
Overall Benefit Score (BDS)45/100

What your child develops

The Novelist offers a unique and thought-provoking experience that encourages players to reflect on work-life balance, family dynamics, and the impact of personal choices. It fosters critical thinking and empathy by presenting complex ethical dilemmas without easy answers. The narrative-driven gameplay enhances reading comprehension and provides a rich environment for exploring different perspectives.

Base: UnknownPlaytime: ~3hReviewed May 2026

Regulatory Compliance

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About this game

The Novelist asks one central question: can you achieve your dreams without pushing away the people you love? The game focuses on Dan Kaplan, a novelist struggling to write the most important book of his career while trying to be the best husband and father he can be.