Making a game that is rated 0+ (appropriate for players of all ages) offers both special problems and fascinating opportunities in the wide world of mobile gaming. Games must meet certain platform specifications and design standards to ensure safety and accessibility for even the youngest players. In this article, we’ll explore the platform-specific requirements of Google Play and the App Store, analyze the most popular genres, themes, and graphic styles, and explain what makes 0+ games unique.
What Are 0+ Games?
Games rated 0+ (or “suitable for all ages”) are designed to be harmless and entertaining for players starting as young as toddlers. These games avoid any content that could be inappropriate for children, including violence, complex language, in-app purchases without parental controls, and data collection practices that breach privacy laws like COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) and GDPR-K (General Data Protection Regulation for Kids).
Key Differences for Games for 0+ Audiences
Creating a game for 0+ audiences is not just about making it simple or cute. It’s about taking a responsible approach to development.
- The interface should be intuitive and easy to understand for young children who may not yet be able to read.
- Buttons and touchpads should be large, with lenient input areas that accommodate children’s immature motor coordination.
- Games should avoid mechanics that punish failure too harshly — there should be no game loops, paid access, or stress-inducing mechanics.
- Absolutely no violence, foul language, unregulated advertising, or scary imagery.
Platform-Specific Requirements
Platform Requirements
📱 Google Play (Android)
In the Google Play console, the target audience needs to be specified.
Children’s apps must abide by Google’s Families Policy:
- Ad content must be child-friendly and served through certified ad networks.
- It is forbidden to gather location information, device ID tracking, or personal information from users who are underage.
- Games must pass content review and may be manually reviewed by Google.
🍏 App Store (iOS)
Apple has strict privacy policies in place with its App Store review guidelines:
- Games aimed at children (especially those under 13) should not collect any personal data without verified parental consent.
- Third-party advertising or analytics may be restricted if the game is not in the “Kids” category.
- Parents must supervise all in-app purchases
The app must provide a clear and age-appropriate experience. Both platforms strongly recommend that developers avoid obscure templates and misleading mechanics.
Common Genres for 0+ Games
Selecting from a few well-liked and secure genres is typically necessary to create a game that appeals to all age groups, but particularly to kids.
- Coloring and drawing apps: These allow children to develop their creativity without pressure.
- Puzzle games: Easy match-up or drag-and-drop puzzles support early learning.
- Interactive storybooks: Games that combine storytelling with gentle interaction are ideal for children who can’t read yet.
- Musical games: Tapping into rhythms, learning instruments, or singing along.
- Pet care simulators: Kids may play with, feed, or bathe animals in these easy pet games.
- Educational games: Numbers, letters, simple math, memory games — but all gamified playfully and easily.
Popular Themes and Art Styles
For 0+ games, visual and thematic choices are critical:
🌈 Topics that work well:
- Animals, dinosaurs, underwater world
- Fairy tales, magical or fantasy lands
- Friendly monsters and robots
- Daily activities (farming, cleaning, cooking)
- Transportation (trains, cars, planes)
🎨 Visual style:
- Vibrant hues, striking contrasts, and entertaining animation
- Non-threatening, rounded shapes
- No cluttered interface – simplicity is key
- Cartoon illustrations featuring exaggerated facial gestures and upbeat sentiments
- Gentle, soothing sound design or upbeat, cheerful music
Final thoughts: why 0+ games are important
The goal of developing games for all age groups is one of care and trust. Designing for children has a great deal of responsibility, which we at Melior Games understand. Creating engaging, safe, and nurturing experiences for young children and their families is more important than merely providing entertainment.
If you’re considering launching a 0+ rated game, our Melior Games team is here to help. With years of experience in developing family-friendly mobile games, we’ll guide you through compliance, design, and deployment, creating a game that parents trust and kids love.
Let’s create your next 0+ hit together. Contact Melior Games today!
