LumiKin
Metacritic 8217+

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

The Astronauts|2014ActionAdventureIndie

LumiScore?Our 0–100 score for how developmentally beneficial and low-risk this game is for children. Higher is better.

58/ 100
GOOD
120+ min/day recommended

Growth

41/100

Growth Value

  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Memory & Attention

Risk

LOW

Engagement Patterns

Minimal pressure to spend or play excessively.

Heads up

💸 Monthly cost: Free

Parent Pro-Tip

This is a mature, single-player horror mystery game. It's excellent for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, but be aware of its M rating for violence and horror themes. There are no ongoing costs or social interactions.

Top Skills Developed

Problem Solving5/5
Critical Thinking5/5
Memory & Attention5/5
Reading & Language5/5
Spatial Awareness3/5

Development Areas

Cognitive?Problem solving, spatial awareness, strategic thinking, creativity, memory, and learning transfer. Weighted 50% of the Benefit Score.
66
Social & Emotional?Teamwork, communication, empathy, emotional regulation, and ethical reasoning. Weighted 30% of the Benefit Score.
17
Motor Skills?Hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, reaction time, and physical activity. Weighted 20% of the Benefit Score.
15
Overall Benefit Score (BDS)41/100

Representation?How diverse the game's characters are in gender and ethnicity. Higher = more authentic representation. Display only — does not affect time recommendation.

Gender balance
1/3
Ethnic diversity
1/3

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.N/A — no named characters

The game description focuses on a male protagonist and a male character (Ethan Carter). There is insufficient information to determine if it passes or fails the Bechdel test.

Parent Pro-Tip

Engages critical thinking, problem-solving, and reading comprehension through a compelling narrative and exploration. No monetization pressures or social risks.

What your child develops

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter offers a rich narrative experience, challenging players with complex puzzles and critical thinking as they piece together a mystery. Its open-world exploration encourages spatial awareness and attention to detail, while reading notes and clues enhances language comprehension and memory.

Base: UnknownMonthly: FreePlaytime: ~4hReviewed Apr 2026

Regulatory Compliance

Tap a badge for details. Grey = not yet assessed.

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About this game

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a horror adventure game, heavily focused on the narrative. You are Paul Prospero, a detective with paranormal abilities.