June 2, 2025
By Josleiny Castillo
Staff Writer
Whenever stress takes over, it’s best to find a source of relaxation to unwind. The online adventure game Sky: Children of the Light, developed by thatgamecompany, is a beautifully crafted social adventure game that accomplishes that goal by taking players through a dreamlike world filled with mystery and wonder.
Originally released on iOS in 2019 and later expanded to other platforms, the game invites players to explore a vast kingdom with seven unique realms, each themed around different stages of life. At its core, Sky: Children of the Light is a deeply atmospheric experience that prioritizes deep relationships between players, discovery and cooperative play over combat or competition.
Sky is a peaceful adventure game whose primary goal is to spread light and restore fallen stars to their rightful place in the sky. Players take on the role of a Child of Light, journeying through seven beautifully crafted realms, each representing a different stage of life. As they traverse, players collect light to gain new abilities, help lost spirits rediscover their memories and uncover the hidden lore of a fallen kingdom. The game encourages connection and assistance, allowing players to form friendships, work together to overcome obstacles and share meaningful moments without words. At its core, Sky is about bringing hope and healing to a darkened world by fostering kindness and empathy.
Visually, Sky is breathtaking. It blends dynamic lighting effects, painterly textures and soft pastels to create a world that feels both vast and intimate. The use of light is not only aesthetically pleasing but also central to gameplay, as players collect and spread light to progress through areas and reveal secrets. The game’s musical score also deserves praise, as it perfectly complements the mood of each realm and enhances the emotional depth of the journey. Combined, these elements create an immersive and tranquil setting.
Overall, Sky is a unique and emotionally resonant game. It encourages players to appreciate the beauty of its world, link with others and slow down.
One of the game’s standout features is its emphasis on social interaction. Unlike many multiplayer games that rely on voice chat or fast-paced mechanics, Sky fosters a deep-seated, gentle form of bonding. Players start with limited interaction and slowly build bonds by offering light and unlocking gestures and expressions. The way friendships develop in Sky feels organic and profound, as players help a stranger navigate a puzzle or share a peaceful moment flying across glowing skies. The candle-based gifting system further strengthens these ties.
However, Sky is not without its drawbacks. While socializing can be sweet, it can feel limiting to players who prefer more direct communication or structured gameplay. The game is also heavily reliant on internet connectivity, which can hinder the experience in areas with weak service. Additionally, its monetization model—based on seasonal content and cosmetics—is somewhat expensive, typically ranging from $4.99 to $49.99 due to the inclusion of season passes. This is especially true for players or those looking to collect all 10 types of cosmetics and the approximately 615 total items. Other players may find the lack of combat or conventional progression systems less engaging. Nonetheless, the mostly peaceful setting is what gives the game its lovely sentiment.
Overall, Sky is a unique and emotionally resonant game. It encourages players to appreciate the beauty of its world, link with others and slow down. While it may not appeal to everyone, particularly those seeking fast-paced action or traditional progression, Sky offers a rewarding experience for those willing to embrace its meditative pace, as it takes around five hours to complete the main storyline and a total of 33.5 hours for 100% completion and leaves a heartfelt message of camaraderie. It’s a game that doesn’t just entertain. It invites kindness, reflection and wonder through its warm aura. I rate this a 9.5 out of 10 because with future ideas on the way, I’m sure the sky’s the limit for this outstanding video game.
