The names of some dangerous games have surfaced in the suicide case of three sisters (Nishika, Prachi, and Pakhi) in Ghaziabad. These games are repeatedly mentioned in their diaries/suicide notes, where they listed them as their favorites. These four mobile games include Poppy Playtime, The Baby in Yellow, Evil Nun: The Scary Horror Game, and Ice Scream—horror and survival puzzles. These are very popular among children and teenagers, but they contain scary, violent, and disturbing elements.

The police and education departments have recommended banning these games, deeming them dangerous for children. These games are advised against because they are not recommended for children under 10-12 years of age, yet many children play them. They contain jump scares, scary sounds, implications of violence, and dark themes, which can impact mental health, especially if children become overly immersed in them and become isolated from the real world.
What happens in these games?

Poppy Playtime - This is a first-person puzzle-horror game where the player enters a closed toy factory and solves puzzles while avoiding grotesque, animated toys (like Huggy Wuggy). Themes: Monster toys, blood splatters, dark and claustrophobic environments.

Age Rating: Generally 12+ or Teen (ESRB T for Teen, PEGI 12), but parents and experts consider it too scary for younger children.
Downloads: Millions, but paid (starting around ₹300).
Concern: Children become afraid of toys, jump scares, and intense horror.

The Baby in Yellow - The player takes on the role of a babysitter caring for a 'suspicious' baby. Feeding, diaper changing, etc., but gradually paranormal and demonic events occur. Themes: Dark humor + horror, jump scares, eerie sounds, disturbing elements like the baby's 360° head rotation.

Age Rating: PEGI 12 or 9+ on some platforms, but 12+ is preferred due to horror elements.

Downloads: 100 million+ (very popular on mobile).
Concern: Integrating baby care with horror, which may create fear in children.
Evil Nun: The Scary Horror Game - Set in a school where an evil nun (after contracting a zombie-like infection) captures children. The player solves puzzles to free the children and escape. Themes: Chase, hiding, puzzles, multiple chapters, and endings.

Age Rating: PEGI 16 or Mature (M in some versions), violence and frightening scenes.

Downloads: 50 million+.
Concern: Making the school/teacher scary, intense fear, and violence.
Ice Scream - An ice cream vendor (Rod) kidnaps and freezes children. The player rescues them by hiding, sneaking, and solving clues. Themes: Kidnapping, horror neighborhood, multi-chapter franchise.

Age rating: 13+ or Teen, cartoon violence, but horror themes.
Downloads: 50 million+.
Concern: The theme of children being kidnapped, which can create real fear.
These games have millions of downloads combined and are easily accessible due to their free/low cost. The biggest concern for parents: They become not just entertainment, but a world where children spend hours immersed, watching YouTube livestreams and disconnecting from real life – as seen in this case.

How to protect your children?

If you're a parent or caring for a child, be cautious with these games. Turn on parental controls, check age ratings, and limit gaming time. If your child seems lonely, depressed, or isolated for extended periods, seek counseling or help immediately. Children's mental health is paramount—games can be fun, but dangerous if they become addictive.

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