Creative freedom
Can you come up with something of your own, or does the game just let you pick from ready-made options? The more ways to combine colors, shapes and items, the more interesting it is.
How to judge
How to judge a creative game yourself
We don't give scores or make lists of the best games. Instead, we offer questions that help you decide for yourself whether a game is worth your time. They're useful both for adult players and for parents whose kids are asking to install something new. They're easiest to answer after a short trial evening with the game.
A good creative game gives you freedom, not a list of things to buy.
How this section works: there are no points, rankings or names here. Just criteria and signs you can check for yourself.
Questions to ask about a game
Ask yourself these after your first session with a game.
Fair purchases
Is it clear what's available right away and what costs money? A fair game doesn't hide prices behind in-game currency or charge for the most basic tools.
Ads inside the game
How often do they appear, and can you close them? Be wary if ads inside the game interrupt you mid-task or send you to third-party websites.
Privacy
What permissions does the app ask for, and why? A drawing game hardly needs access to your contacts or precise location. It also matters who can see your work and your profile.
Accessibility
Can you make the text bigger, turn on subtitles, play with the sound off or with one hand? A well-designed game adapts to the player, not the other way around.
Good signs and red flags
| What you're judging | Good sign | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Creativity | Many ways to combine elements; you can start from a blank canvas | Almost everything interesting is locked behind a purchase |
| Purchases | Prices are clear and every purchase needs confirmation | Currency with no real price shown, "buy before it's gone" timers |
| Ads inside the game | Appear rarely and close right away | Interrupt your work and send you to third-party websites |
| Privacy | Permissions match what the game does; your profile can be hidden | Asks for contacts, location or personal information |
| Chat | Chat can be turned off or limited to friends | Strangers can freely send private messages |
Why we don't do rankings
Creative games change all the time: updates add purchases and change chat rules and privacy terms. A score given today can be out of date after just a few updates.
Besides, a game that's perfect for one person won't necessarily appeal to another. Your own criteria are more reliable than someone else's list: they work for any game and help you spot warning signs early. App store reviews are worth reading, but don't take them as gospel.
Related reading
- Techniques
The color wheel and palettes, layers and symmetry, saving versions, planning a space and smart spending.
- Updates
Patch notes, seasonal events and limited-time items — without the rush or overspending.
- Questions
Answers about this reference, creative games, safety, purchases and in-game chat.
- Genres
Stylist games, room and house design, life sims, drawing, music, cooking and building sandboxes.
What we rely on
- PEGI — age category descriptions
- ESRB — rating descriptions
- App store help pages on parental controls
We describe genres and techniques in general terms. Every game has its own menus, button names and purchase terms, and they change over time, so check the details in the game's own help section and on its app store page.