And as much as video games are frequently criticized for being a negative influence on kids, many have worthwhile messages and role models. Messages and role models. Media messages really do affect kids, so it makes sense to choose games that reflect the kinds of values you'd like your children to absorb.From the point-and-click simplicity of Peggle 2 to the controller-throwing challenge of Dark Souls II, ease of play can have a big impact on whether a kid is ready for (and will enjoy) a particular game. These days some controllers have 12 or more buttons, and some games require touch functionality whereas others require a deft grasp of complex strategy. Ease of play. Games used to be extremely simple, with one button for actions and a joystick or paddle for movement.We focus on engagement, learning approach (depth of content, ability to transfer skills), and support (help, progress reports) to really hone in on the best picks for learning. We evaluate a game's learning potential not only in traditional subjects like math and reading but also in 21st-century skills like creativity and collaboration. And many of them are great tools for learning - but plenty of games that claim to be educational don't make the grade. Learning value. Many games have strong educational potential, whether they were expressly designed for it or not.Is the game's plot deep and engaging or shallow and forgettable? How strong are the audio and visuals? Will players connect with the characters, and how strongly will they identify with their goals or motivations? Can kids play with friends or only by themselves? Is it replayable, or will kids get bored with it once they've beaten the big boss? When you're talking about spending up to $60, it's important to remember that there's a big difference between a cheap, weak title like LocoCycle and a smart, challenging one like Civilization V.
Quality. Yes, quality can be subjective - and certainly your kids will like stuff you don't - but look for benchmarks.You'll need to make a judgment call based on what you think is right for your kid, taking into account many of the factors described in more detail below. But things get tricky when seemingly age-appropriate characters are put in more dangerous situations, as in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, for example, which has Disney characters fighting harmful creatures. What age is the game aimed at? Sometimes a game's target age group is obvious - for example, when it has characters your child already knows and loves, like in Disney Magical World, or when it has a safe, imaginative world designed for kids ( Animal Crossing: New Leaf).Here are some things to consider when it comes to choosing the right games for your kids: What's scary or frustrating for one 7-year-old may be fun and action-packed for another. After that, you can determine what's OK based on the things that matter to you, like your kid's interests and individual temperament. It starts with understanding what content isn't only age-appropriate but also developmentally appropriate for your child. Guess wrong, and they could be exposed to content that none of you are ready for. Guess right, and your kids have a great time saving the princess - or the universe.
But "E," "E-10," "T," and "M" just don't offer enough information, even with the accompanying rating descriptors (what's the difference between "violence" and "intense violence," anyway?). The ESRB rating is where many parents start. It's tough to stay up to speed and make informed decisions when your kids are begging to play something you've never heard of - or something they swear all their friends are allowed to play - especially if you're not a gamer yourself. Plus, virtually every game ad is for one of the most popular titles, which are almost always the most mature ones. And games are everywhere these days, from smartphones to online-enabled consoles, with more realistic images and content than ever before. If you've ever walked in on your teen splattering an opponent's head on the screen in a violent video game or seen a busty heroine about to pop out of her skin-tight outfit, you know how hard it is to find age-appropriate games.
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How to Choose the Right Video Games for Your Kids
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