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The Orange Box

Review · Shooter · Linux · macOS · Xbox 360

The Orange Box

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

Linux · macOS · Xbox 360 · PC · PlayStation 3

Valve Software · 2008

Ludograph rating

A

Recommended

75 /100

The Orange Box is a collection of shooter games that enhances problem solving and spatial awareness through diverse gameplay, with moderate violence and some strong language.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 60 · R 1
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

60

Risk (RIS)

1

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.64
B2Social-emotional
0.57
B3Motor
0.55

The Orange Box offers a diverse collection of highly acclaimed games that challenge players with complex puzzles, strategic combat, and cooperative multiplayer experiences. Players will develop problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and critical thinking. Team-based gameplay in Team Fortress 2 fosters communication and teamwork.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.06

The game contains moderate violence and some strong language. Competitive aspects in Team Fortress 2 could lead to some toxicity, though stranger chat is not present. The game's content may be intense for younger 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 The Orange Box safe for kids?

Ludograph gives The Orange Box a rating of 75/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It scores well on developmental benefits with manageable risks.

What age is The Orange Box appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for The Orange Box, based on benefits, risks, and content review. That is stricter than ESRB T, because our assessment weighs behavioral design risks, not just content.

How long should kids play The Orange Box?

We don't publish a daily session budget for The Orange Box: 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 The Orange Box?

The game contains moderate violence and some strong language. Competitive aspects in Team Fortress 2 could lead to some toxicity, though stranger chat is not present. The game's content may be intense for younger players.