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CHANGE: A Homeless Survival Experience

iOS, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2020

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Quick resume

CHANGE is an award nominated homeless survival experience set in a randomly created city with rogue-like elements. Explore, survive, earn perks, find items & kindness to develop your character & escape to a new life. Over 7 years of development & over 200 updates so far!

Global score

91/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy

Pros

  • Meaningful and empathetic portrayal of homelessness
  • Challenging and engaging survival mechanics
  • High replayability with varied characters and perks
  • Active developer support and updates
  • Portion of proceeds donated to homeless charities

Cons

  • Some bugs and occasional clunky controls
  • Repetitive gameplay loops after progression
  • Limited character customization and expression
  • Some players find happiness mechanics harsh
  • Lack of multiplayer or deeper social interaction

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players make many personal choices about survival strategies, such as begging, busking, stealing, or working jobs, showing control over actions despite some RNG elements."

  • Competence
    3

    "Players face challenging survival mechanics requiring skillful resource management and decision-making, though some repetitive elements exist."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on individual survival without leaderboards or direct player-vs-player competition; players set personal goals."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Many players report long sessions and repeated playthroughs motivated by unlocking perks and improving strategies."

  • Cooperation
    1

    "Some interaction with NPC homeless characters and minor community elements exist, but gameplay is primarily individual."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players experiment with different survival approaches and character builds, but within a structured game world."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control over others; interactions emphasize empathy and survival rather than dominance."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game to gain perspective and emotional engagement with homelessness, often as a meaningful escape."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and empathy, not obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players try various strategies, perks, and character scenarios to explore different survival experiences."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Players explore a procedurally generated city with randomized shops and events, though environments are limited."

  • Expression
    -2

    "Limited character customization; some cosmetic elements but mostly standardized presentation."

  • Fantasy
    -4

    "Game focuses on realistic, grounded scenarios of homelessness rather than imaginative or fantastical elements."

  • Fellowship
    1

    "Some sense of community with NPC homeless characters, but mostly a solitary experience."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn survival skills, manage mental health, and develop strategies to improve outcomes over time."

  • Health
    -4

    "Game depicts unhealthy habits like addiction and poor hygiene as survival challenges rather than promoting health."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires active attention to manage multiple survival meters and time-sensitive tasks."

  • Intimacy
    -3

    "Limited social interaction mostly surface-level with NPCs; no deep relationship building."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership roles; players focus on individual survival without managing or guiding others."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate items, perks, and unlock new buildings and characters as they progress."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Gameplay is tense and challenging with emotional strain, though some find it oddly relaxing."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Simple graphics and sound create an immersive atmosphere but sensory stimulation is moderate."

  • Status
    -3

    "Achievements and progression are personal; no social recognition or visibility elements."

  • Story
    3

    "Narrative elements and character backstories provide emotional immersion and meaningful context."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Players engage in complex resource management, planning, and problem solving to survive."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Random events and risk of failure create suspense and tension during gameplay."

  • Value
    4

    "Players perceive good value due to meaningful gameplay, replayability, and charitable contributions."

  • Violence
    -4

    "Game focuses on survival and resource management rather than combat or destruction."

  • Survival
    5

    "Core gameplay centers on overcoming threats, managing resources, and staying alive in harsh conditions."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026