Responsible play

The games we review are built to be returned to daily, and most of them sell ways to skip waiting. That is fine when you are the one in charge of it. This page is about staying in charge.

Our position

None of the games here involve gambling, but timers, streaks and limited-time events borrow from the same toolkit. We mark games down when those mechanics feel coercive and we say plainly in each review what money buys. We do not want anyone to spend more time or money than they meant to because of something they read here.

Worth noticing

• You log in because a timer is about to finish, not because you want to play.
• You have spent more than you planned this month, or not told someone about a purchase.
• Missing a daily reward or an event causes real stress.
• Play is eating into sleep, work or people.
• You have tried to cut back and found it harder than expected.

Practical steps

• Decide a session length before you start and set a timer on another device.
• Do not store card details in a game account. A prepaid card gives you a hard limit.
• Turn off notifications from the mobile apps. Let the game wait for you.
• If losing progress to other players makes you anxious, avoid the PvP-heavy games on this list.
• Every publisher listed here offers account deletion through settings or support.

Free, confidential support in the UK

• GamCare

  National Gambling Helpline, 24 hours a day, phone and live chat. Also supports people affected by someone else's gaming or gambling.

  0808 8020 133

  gamcare.org.uk
• GambleAware

  Independent charity with self-assessment tools, advice on limits and a directory of local treatment services across Great Britain.

  begambleaware.org
• NHS gaming disorder services

  NHS England's specialist clinic for people aged 13 and over experiencing problems with gaming, and for their families.

  nhs.uk
• Ask About Games

  Guidance from the UK games industry on age ratings, parental controls and managing in-game spending for families.

  askaboutgames.com

Age

Played Properly is intended for readers aged 18 and over. Each publisher sets its own minimum age; if you are under it, do not create an account.

If you think a review on this site encourages unhealthy play, tell us. We will read it and act on it.