Games That Support Kindness and Compassion

One of the most important character strengths a kid can learn is compassion, or the ability to sympathize with others' feelings. Although many video games focus on violence over acts of kindness, many out there can help kids see other viewpoints, celebrate others' traditions, and learn about how tough it is to be bullied or discriminated against. And because games are interactive, the message might stick better than with videos or movies. Here are some of our top picks for building compassion. And for more great character-building games, check out our list of the Best Empathy Apps, Games, and Websites.

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Peek-a-Zoo - by Duck Duck Moose Poster Image
APP

Peek-a-Zoo - by Duck Duck Moose

age 2+

Tots learn to recognize emotions, behaviors with cute app.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2011)
Wee You-Things Poster Image
APP

Wee You-Things

age 3+

Colorful, interactive book lets kids celebrate diversity.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2013)
Avokiddo Emotions Poster Image
APP

Avokiddo Emotions

age 4+

Hilarious and creative way for little ones to see emotions.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire (2015)
Touch and Learn - Emotions Poster Image
APP

Touch and Learn - Emotions

age 4+

Free app builds emotional awareness; best with adult input.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2012)
Social Adventures Poster Image
APP

Social Adventures

age 5+

Powerful, engaging tool can help boost kids' social skills.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2012)
Who Am I? Race Awareness Game Poster Image
APP

Who Am I? Race Awareness Game

age 5+

Discussion starter for kids and parents to play together.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2013)
A Bird Story Poster Image
GAME

A Bird Story

age 7+

Short but emotionally powerful story told without words.

Platforms: Linux , Mac , Windows (2014)
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Poster Image
GAME

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

age 7+

The island life is idyllic in this latest adventure sim.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch (2020)
Chuchel Poster Image
GAME

Chuchel

age 7+

Madcap puzzle game delights as much as it challenges.

Platforms: Mac , Windows (2018)
Assemble with Care Poster Image
GAME

Assemble with Care

age 8+

Heart-warming tale blended with fun gameplay.

Platforms: Apple Arcade (2019)
Beyond Blue Poster Image
GAME

Beyond Blue

age 8+

Lovely undersea adventure with strong conservation message.

Gravity Ghost Poster Image
GAME

Gravity Ghost

age 8+

Beautiful puzzler explores life, death, and relationships.

Platforms: Linux , Mac , Windows (2015)
Re-Mission 2 Poster Image
GAME

Re-Mission 2

age 9+

Six fun games turn cancer treatment into a winnable battle.

Platforms: Mac , Windows (2013)
Unravel Poster Image
GAME

Unravel

age 8+

Poetic platformer with themes of family, friends, aging.

Platforms: PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2016)
Unravel Two Poster Image
GAME

Unravel Two

age 8+

Beautiful puzzle adventure promotes positivity, teamwork.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2019)
A Fold Apart Poster Image
GAME

A Fold Apart

age 10+

Novel paper puzzler tackles long-distance relationships.

Arise: A Simple Story Poster Image
GAME

Arise: A Simple Story

age 10+

Touching poetic adventure explores time, age, and death.

Platforms: PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2019)
Child of Light Poster Image
GAME

Child of Light

age 10+

Original, accessible, fun RPG stars lots of strong females.

Concrete Genie Poster Image
GAME

Concrete Genie

age 10+

Great anti-bullying game swaps fighting for art.

Platforms: PlayStation 4 , PlayStation VR (2019)
Doki-Doki Universe Poster Image
GAME

Doki-Doki Universe

age 10+

Learn what it means to be human in quirky adventure game.