Ever since gun massacres in this country became more commonplace, video games have taken the brunt of the blame and this is completely unfair. It allows the government a scape goat, so that they don’t have to blame themselves for class divisions and a poor education system which leads to these massacres. Yes, there are some video games that feature gore and death, however it’s nothing worse than what is seen on television and in movies, plus kids shouldn’t be playing these video games anyway as they have age ratings. Video games can be massively beneficial, and here’s why and some of the games that you should be encouraging your children to play. My children love these video games, they even have a video game soundtrack on vinyl!
Benefits
Scientists repeatedly disprove that videogames contribute to violence in anyway and often show counter-evidence to suggest that they are massively beneficial to children and young adults. They are a story telling medium that has evolved to be considered art, just check out The Last of Us for evidence … though don’t let you kids play that one! They improve basic motor neuron skills, can improve memory, actually create more tolerant humans, and are infinitely more beneficial to a young mind than television. Yes there are games that children should never play, but that’s the same with movies and televisions. You wouldn’t let them watch American Horror Story or Fight Club, so why would you let them play Grand Theft Auto? Follow the age ratings and your kids will be fine.
Some Considerations
Videogames can become so engrossing that kids may not wish to go outside, and although by staying indoors they won’t fall over and break something and need to visit a personal injury attorney, they also won’t get fresh air and exercise. As long as you understand this and promote a healthy balance of gaming and more traditional methods of fun, then your kids will be fine.
The Games
Pokémon: The Pokémon series has been going strong since the mid-nineties and with the new Pokémon Go app, it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. I would recommend not allowing your kids to play Pokémon Go without supervision or until they are old enough to be outside on their own or with friends. The original games, however, are excellent for children. There is no adult material within them and they promote good values like caring for animals and most of them have a strong, positive political, social, or ecological message. They are also handheld so they can play them near you where you can keep an eye on them.
Minecraft: For more sensitive kids, Minecraft might be considered scary, but there are different game modes with one of these essentially being ‘digital Lego’. This game is a massive creativity booster and is even being used as a teaching aid in some classrooms. One downside: you might get addicted to it too. (Check out its sales figures).
The Portal Series: This is aimed at kids 10+, but that’s only because these two games (Portal and Portal 2) can be really difficult. It is a logic game that involves solving puzzles using a ‘Portal Gun’ that allows you to create portals in a room to get to the other side. It’s a simple premise, but a very difficult one. Some gaming publications have claimed that Portal 2 is the greatest game ever made.
Lego…Anything: Lego has made hundreds (not really, but it’s a lot) of licensed games, from Lord of the Rings, to Harry Potter, to Batman, to Marvel etc. etc. They are endlessly funny and any violence is nothing worse than what might be found in a Pixar film. Essentially it’s like playing through The Lego Movie.
Honorable Mentions:
Just Dance 2015
Zoo Tycoon
Tearaway
Angry Birds
Anything Mario related
Little Big Planet
Animal Crossing