Set in post-World War II Norway, My Child Lebensborn is not a typical video game. Instead of action-packed gameplay or fantasy settings, it presents a deeply emotional and historically grounded narrative about the consequences of war — particularly from the perspective of children born from the Nazi Lebensborn programme. Released by Sarepta Studio and Teknopilot, this interactive story explores parenthood, trauma, and societal rejection with uncompromising realism. It forces players into the role of an adoptive parent, where every choice directly impacts the wellbeing of the child they care for.
The Aftermath of War through a Child’s Eyes
In My Child Lebensborn, you take on the role of a foster parent of Klaus or Karin, a child born to a Norwegian mother and a German soldier — a product of the historical Lebensborn initiative. While the war may be over, the scars it has left are far from healed. The game captures how post-war society can extend punishment beyond soldiers to innocent children, portraying real emotional and psychological consequences through day-to-day interactions.
Players must manage everyday tasks such as feeding, bathing, and educating the child, but these mechanics only serve as a backdrop to the more complex social realities. The child comes home from school bruised, emotionally broken, or silent — a clear sign of bullying and isolation. These moments reflect historical realities reported by many Lebensborn children, who suffered ostracism, abuse, and systemic discrimination throughout their upbringing.
What makes the game remarkable is its refusal to offer simple solutions. There are no “right” answers; kindness, discipline, or avoidance all have different emotional outcomes. In this way, the player experiences a simulation of parenthood under social and psychological pressure, mirroring the complex human rights issues of real post-war societies.
Real-Life Inspiration and Research
The developers worked closely with historians and survivors of the Lebensborn programme to ensure authenticity. The stories reflected in the game are not fictional — they are amalgamations of actual testimonies and interviews with people who were affected by the Nazi programme. This gives the game a documentary-like atmosphere, where educational and emotional impacts are delivered simultaneously.
By embedding historical accuracy into its gameplay structure, My Child Lebensborn serves as an educational tool as much as an emotional one. It shines a light on an underrepresented chapter of WWII history, particularly focusing on those who were often silenced or forgotten in mainstream narratives.
This commitment to truth-telling elevates the game into more than entertainment — it becomes a digital witness statement. It encourages players to reflect not only on the past but on present-day attitudes towards prejudice, trauma, and healing.
The Role of Player Agency in Storytelling
One of the most compelling aspects of the game is how much influence the player has over the child’s development. While major events are scripted to maintain historical realism, the tone of your relationship with the child is deeply affected by your choices. The balance between shielding them from societal hatred and being honest about the world around them creates an emotionally taxing dynamic for the player.
This gameplay loop doesn’t follow conventional win/lose structures. Instead, it rewards emotional investment, patience, and empathy. The child might still suffer regardless of your best efforts, highlighting the helplessness many real-life parents feel when facing external social injustice.
In this sense, the game offers an innovative way of teaching emotional literacy and trauma awareness. It gently reveals how even well-intentioned actions may be insufficient in a broken society. This approach creates a more nuanced understanding of the burdens carried by children of war — and their guardians.
Interface and Artistic Expression
The game’s interface is minimalistic but highly expressive. The hand-drawn visual style creates an intimate, almost diary-like feel, which complements the personal and emotional tone of the narrative. Colours are muted, suggesting a world still covered in the shadow of war.
Animations are subtle yet effective; a child’s slouch, hesitation, or smile can change the emotional impact of a scene dramatically. Sound design is equally restrained, using silence and ambient sounds to deepen immersion. The lack of overwhelming visual or auditory stimuli helps focus attention on the narrative and choices at hand.
This simplicity enhances player focus and mirrors the quiet endurance of the game’s characters. Rather than pulling the player out of the experience with complex HUDs or mechanics, the design keeps them anchored in the emotional gravity of the situation.
Global Recognition and Social Commentary
Since its release, My Child Lebensborn has received global acclaim for its brave storytelling and historical sensitivity. It was awarded the BAFTA Game Beyond Entertainment Award in 2018 — a rare honour that signals its cultural relevance and impact. This recognition affirms that video games can be vehicles for social critique and empathy-building.
The game has since been used in schools and educational workshops across Europe to teach about post-war trauma and child welfare. Its accessibility and emotional engagement make it ideal for introducing younger generations to the human cost of war in a way that textbooks often fail to achieve.
It has also sparked debate about the potential of interactive media to contribute meaningfully to historical discourse. By placing players in ethically complex scenarios, the game invites not just passive consumption but active reflection, reshaping how history can be taught and experienced in the digital age.
Legacy and Future Perspectives
As of February 2025, My Child Lebensborn continues to maintain cultural relevance. It has been translated into multiple languages, expanded with new features on mobile platforms, and remains a cornerstone of narrative game design. Discussions continue about a possible follow-up that may explore the long-term effects of war on family structures or mental health.
The game’s legacy lies in its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths — a rare quality in mainstream media. It represents a growing trend in gaming where developers take risks to tell stories that matter beyond entertainment value.
Whether played for its historical content, emotional depth, or educational value, My Child Lebensborn remains an essential title for understanding how the past continues to affect the present. It’s not just a game — it’s a statement about the power of empathy and truth in storytelling.