Loading critic reviews...
Deals
Finding deals...
Live Streams
Finding live streams...
About We Grew Up in War
We Grew Up in War is an indie narrative adventure developed by Charles Games and released on December 31, 2027. It explores the lives of children in Bosnia, Syria, and Ukraine through stories inspired by real testimonies from the last three decades. The game skips combat and puzzles in favor of dialogue choices that shape how players experience each child's journey. Available on PC, Android, and iOS, it’s a single-player title that blends documentary-like storytelling with interactive decision-making. The goal isn’t to win but to witness the emotional and moral complexities of growing up amid war.
Gameplay
Each session follows a non-linear, text-heavy structure where players navigate life events through branching dialogue. There’s no action or exploration, just reading, listening to voiceovers, and selecting responses that influence relationships and outcomes. Characters face hardships like displacement, loss, and resilience, with choices affecting how their stories unfold. Sessions average 2-3 hours per episode, with minimal mechanics beyond menu navigation. The controls are basic: mouse or tap to select options. The lack of gameplay friction focuses attention entirely on the narrative, making it feel like an interactive memoir.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate it 87%, with 82% on Metacritic. Average playtime is 6 hours, and 68% of players finish the game. Community moods skew heavy (45%), somber (38%), and reflective (30%). One review calls it “a haunting look at childhood stolen by war,” while another notes “stories that feel too real to forget.” Completion of 90%+ achievements (32 total) is achieved by 47% of players. Critics praise its “unflinching humanity” but warn it’s emotionally taxing.
PlayPile's Take
This game isn’t for everyone. If you value stories over mechanics and can handle intense subject matter, it’s a powerful experience. At $19.99, it’s a low-cost entry for the narrative-focused. The 32 achievements and 68% completion rate suggest it’s engaging enough to stick with, though the short playtime means you’ll finish quickly. It’s best for educators, history buffs, and players who appreciate games as a medium for empathy.
Game Modes
Single player
Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...