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The Suffering

Review · Action · Xbox · PC · PlayStation 2

The Suffering

Reviewed: 23 May 2026

Xbox · PC · PlayStation 2

Midway Games · 2003

Ludograph rating

B

Good

62 /100

06010030BenefitLow riskB 45 · R 0
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

45

Risk (RIS)

0

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.54
B2Social-emotional
0.10
B3Motor
0.75

The Suffering offers an intense, narrative-driven horror experience that challenges players with problem-solving, spatial awareness, and strategic combat. Its focus on a compelling story and atmospheric terror provides a deep, engaging single-player experience.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

Due to its mature themes, 'The Suffering' features high levels of violence, fear, and horror, as well as mature language and potential substance references. These elements may be disturbing for younger or sensitive 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
1.00

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 Suffering safe for kids?

Ludograph gives The Suffering a rating of 62/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is The Suffering appropriate for?

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

How long should kids play The Suffering?

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

Due to its mature themes, 'The Suffering' features high levels of violence, fear, and horror, as well as mature language and potential substance references. These elements may be disturbing for younger or sensitive players.