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Healthy play

Arcade games are built for one more go. That is half the fun, and it is also why a plan helps. Here is how we suggest keeping games a good part of your day.

01Plan the session before it starts

Decide how long you will play and where you will stop before you press start. Our Tea-break timer on the home page does this for you in the browser, with eye breaks and a clear point to save and stop.

02For parents and carers

Check the PEGI label on the store page, play a round together the first time, and use the parental controls on your console, PC launcher or phone to set time limits and spending limits. Keep consoles and phones out of bedrooms at night if you can.

03Spending

The games we review are bought once. Some have optional paid extras such as expansions or soundtracks; we list them in each review. None of them sells random rewards, and we would say so if they did.

04If gaming stops being fun

If you find it hard to stop, feel low when you are not playing, or gaming is getting in the way of sleep, school, work or people you care about, talk to someone. In the UK, your GP can help, and the NHS website has guidance on gaming disorder. Young people can contact Childline free on 0800 1111. If you or someone you know is affected by gambling, which this site has nothing to do with, the National Gambling Helpline is free on 0808 8020 133, and GamCare offers support online.

A two-minute check

Tick anything that has been true for you over the last few weeks. This is not a diagnosis, just a nudge to notice patterns.

Nothing ticked. Sounds balanced.

NHS

Advice on gaming, sleep and mental health, and how your GP can help.

nhs.uk

Childline

Free, private support for anyone under 19, by phone on 0800 1111 or online.

childline.org.uk

GamCare

If gambling, not gaming, is the worry: the National Gambling Helpline is free on 0808 8020 133.

gamcare.org.uk
  1. 1

    Decide the stop first

    Pick a time or a number of runs before you begin, then stick to it.

  2. 2

    Twenty, twenty, twenty

    Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

  3. 3

    Stand up between runs

    A game over is a natural pause. Stretch, drink some water, then decide.

  4. 4

    Not in the last hour

    Stop at least 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Bright, fast games keep you awake.

  5. 5

    No angry restarts

    If you are restarting because you are cross, that is the moment to stop.

  6. 6

    Spend on purpose

    Buy once, on purpose. Set spending limits on every account in the house.

  7. 7

    Play together

    Arcade games are better shared. Pass the pad, take turns and talk.

  8. 8

    Ask if it stops being fun

    Talk to someone you trust if gaming gets in the way of life. Help is free.

Last updated 22 October 2026