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Play OverviewPlay Overview

Dear Esther (2012) is a narrative traversal game where you explore an uninhabited Hebridean island while an old man reads a series of letters to his eponymous deceased wife. Themes of love, loss, guilt and redemption intertwine with the bleak geography and orchestral music. As you explore the derelict remains of buildings, shipwrecks and caves, you find a story that must be interpreted to make sense.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Dear Esther 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 8 months ago.
Kids not old enough for this yet? There are lots of games similar to Dear Esther. Here are some similar younger-rated games:

Play StylePlay Style

This is a Narrative and Traversal game with Adventure elements. This is a single-player game.

DurationDuration

Play Time: This game will take between 1 and a half hours and 3 hours to complete.

BenefitsBenefits

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

Rated PEGI 12 for infrequent mild swearing. The director’s commentary features the phrase ‘holy *!@?*!’ The narrator makes several references to taking large amounts of painkillers, with phrases like ‘I swallow fistfuls of diazepam and paracetamol to stay conscious’.

CostsCosts

Dear Esther usually costs £1.19 to £7.99. 

Dear Esther: Landmark Edition

XBox Store Xbox One £7.99
PlayStation Store PS4 £1.19
Steam StoreSALE PC £7.99 £1.19 until 21/03/2024
Steam StoreSALE Mac £7.99 £1.19 until 21/03/2024

Dear Esther

Steam Store PC Free Free

EA Play

There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 14/02/2012, updated in 2016

Price: 85% off

Out Now: Mac, PC, PS4 and Xbox One

Players: 1

Genres: Narrative, Traversal and Adventure

Accessibility: 3 features

Components: 3D First-Person and Open World

Developer: Chinese Room (@ChineseRoom)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

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