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Play Overview
Kind Words (2019) is unusual because of the main interaction. You write letters to real people and receive back encouraging letters in return. Set in a cosy room with soft furnishings and relaxing music, it creates a space in which to find support and friendship with strangers.
"We're all in this together. Sometimes all you need are a few kind words." Says the developer. But perhaps most surprising about the game is its ability to ensure these letters to and from strangers are positive and honest.
Players are incentivised to send helpful response letters by people rewarding favourite letters with stickers that you can collect. This, along with the tone of the space in which you write, and some checking of content by the developer makes the experience much safer than you might expect.
Still, this isn't a game to let your child play completely on their own. But in a shared social space they can enjoy writing response letters to help people they don't know, as well as writing their own notes for others to respond to.
Our examiner, Jonah Monaghan, first checked Kind Words 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 8 weeks ago.
"We're all in this together. Sometimes all you need are a few kind words." Says the developer. But perhaps most surprising about the game is its ability to ensure these letters to and from strangers are positive and honest.
Players are incentivised to send helpful response letters by people rewarding favourite letters with stickers that you can collect. This, along with the tone of the space in which you write, and some checking of content by the developer makes the experience much safer than you might expect.
Still, this isn't a game to let your child play completely on their own. But in a shared social space they can enjoy writing response letters to help people they don't know, as well as writing their own notes for others to respond to.
Our examiner, Jonah Monaghan, first checked Kind Words 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 8 weeks ago.
Too complex for your family? There are lots of games similar to Kind Words. Here are some easier younger-rated games:
Play Style
This is a Communication and Creative game with Narrative elements. This is a single-player game. It's a game, like Animal Crossing that you play for a short time each day. You play anonymously with strangers but only interact via letters.
You can play this game in the following styles:
Benefits
This game is good if you want to:
- Rely on others
- Speak freely to other players
- Write letters to strangers
- Discover great indie games
- Find hope
- See work in a new light
This game has helped players develop their Disposition as part of the following pathways:
Age Ratings
It's not yet rated, but parents should note the written interactions with other players you don't know. This is monitored but only informally.
Skill Level
10+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Players need to be able to read and write to make the most of this game. It's also important to understand the value of letter writing and the care required when writing to real people who may have been open and honest about their challenges. Younger players may want to play this with a parent.
Our Game Pathways reveal how 25-year-olds play this game:
- 25-year-old: Building A Generous Community
Costs
Game Details
Release Date: 12/11/2019
Out Now: PC
Skill Rating: 10+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Communication, Creative and Narrative
Accessibility: 19 features
Components: 2D Side-On and Text
Developer: Popcannibal (@Popcannibal)
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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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