How to choose video games that both parents and children will love

To listen to parents, the perfect video game is educational, provides little life lessons, strengthens hand-eye coordination, and keeps kids entertained for about 30 minutes at a time. However, listening to the kids, it seems like the educational qualities fall far short of the needs for speed, action, radical moves, and big guns. It is hard to believe that there are games that meet the requirements expected by both parents and children.

Parents should always make time to play together with their children; the only problem with using this approach to choosing video games is the fact that the game is already in the house and the money spent. Open games are rarely returnable and once they’re in the house and their little hands warm, kids won’t leave games without arguing, complaining, and getting angry. Therefore, it is imperative to make an informed decision before bringing the games home!

So how does a parent go about choosing a video game for the kids to play? Reading the back of the cover is unlikely to present much information, while internet buzz can be so terribly full of insider jargon that it’s hard to discern if the game is appropriate, too violent, or perhaps even contains content that’s objectionable.

At the same time, just because a game is hugely popular and the evening news shows long lines of consumers waiting outside stores for it to go on sale, doesn’t mean it offers the kind of game parents want to invite. to the game. home. Fortunately, there are five simple steps to choosing video games that both parents and children will love. These steps are not complicated, require a minimum of effort, and are quite reliable.

1. Check the ESRB Rating

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) developed a rating system that rates game content based on age. The ratings are “EC”, “E”, “E 10+”, “T”, “M”, “AO” and “RP”.

Games designated with an “EC” are educational and fun for preschool and elementary school age children. An “E” indicates that the games are appropriate for all players, and while preschoolers may have a steeper learning curve to play correctly, there is no objectionable content. Be on the lookout for games rated “E 10+” as these games are reserved for children ages 10 and up. Mild language is usually incorporated into the game.

A game rated “T” is reserved for teens, and parents should know that violence, sexual innuendo, partial nudity, and also profanity are par for the course. “M” for Mature indicates 17+ games and the blood, guts, gore and sex are legendary in these games. Upping the ante are the games marked “AO” or Adults Only, as they are “M” squared. A “RP” rating simply means a rating is pending, and parents should refrain from purchasing the game until the rating has been contributed.

2. Read the ESRB Content Descriptors

Since preschool and elementary-aged children cannot simply be categorized into age groups, but must be further differentiated by their maturity levels, parents will be wise to read the ESRB’s content descriptions on the back of packages. of video games. They list potentially objectionable content.

For example, “animated blood” refers to unrealistic purple, green, or other types of blood that may be displayed during gameplay, while a “blood” list is an indicator that realistically rendered blood is part of the game. game. Children who are highly sensitive to blood may not enjoy playing these games, even if they are rated for their age group.

3. Understand ratings when shopping for older kids

Parents who have faced the age-appropriate ratings and managed to read the descriptions as well may now be stumped at another rating: the kind of game their kids can expect.

Older kids may like “FPS” (First Person Shooter) games that put them in the action from a first-person perspective, rather than seeing the character they control performing the actions, as is the case with “TPS.” (Third Person Shooter). ) games. Also, some games are categorized based on the type of content that the story provides, such as vehicle simulation games, strategy games, or sports and puzzle games.

Shooting games are the most violent, while strategy games are perhaps the most educational. Puzzle games require strategic thinking, but don’t offer a lot of action moves that appeal to teens.

4. Visit the gaming deck manufacturer’s website

Parents can visit the website to get the device that will finally allow children to play video games. This can be the website for PlayStation, GameCube, Nintendo, Xbox, and a host of other sub-platforms. The companies list the video games made for them, their ratings, and in most cases they also post trailers, screenshots, and short reviews of the game itself.

Although such a website does not offer an in-depth and unbiased review of the game, it is a pretty useful tool for getting a good idea of ​​the game and the content without having to rely solely on a rating, the back of a pack, or the efforts. of marketing.

5. Check with organizations that offer independent game ratings

There are several organizations that are not tied to the video game industry and still offer advice to parents. Some groups focus on the educational aspects, while others are faith-based and review the games from this angle. Find a group that meets your personal criteria and browse reviews of various games you’re considering for your kids.

One of the best known groups is the Entertainment Consumers Association which offers information about the industry and gaming. Parents who want more detailed information about the games they are considering will do well to visit the forums and websites of such groups and learn from other parents whose children are already playing these games.

Since these are interactive forums, parents have the unique ability to ask other parents questions, and if there is a particular concern about a game, this is the place to get more information.

if all else fails

Of course, if all else fails, there’s the good old alternative to the classic games and characters. Crash Bandicoot, Mario, Spyro, and Pokemon are all game characters that have been around for a while and in a myriad of incarnations. While the educational value of some of these games is debatable, they offer fast-paced fun, cool moves, and certainly the entertainment value that kids appreciate most. At the same time, they avoid profanity, nudity, and explicit violence that parents oppose.

Parents who are short on time or those who just can’t find a game that meets their standards will usually find a winner in these genres. Also, since they are an integral part of a popular series, parents and children can make purchasing decisions together. For example, popular Mario games offer offshoots like “Luigi’s Mansion” which offers haunted house exploration, while other offshoots are car racing games.

A completely different game, but with the same reassuring characters and the same level of suitability, make this an excellent opportunity for parents and children to agree on the game they would like to try, while staying away from the games. potentially objectionable that offer similar gameplay.