Do you have a kid who loves video games? Maybe even one who spends most of his or her time playing them? If this sounds like your child, then you know the struggle. There are so many different video games out there, and it’s hard to know which ones are appropriate for kids.
It can be especially hard when it comes to getting gifts for children. Luckily, we’ve created this handy guide to help your kids get the games they love while still being age-appropriate. From recreating their favorite theme park in the Sims to making music with 8-bit sounds, we hope these tips and suggestions will help you find the perfect game that your child will love.
The Different Types of Video Games for Kids
There are many different types of video games for kids. However, there are three main ways to find the right game for your child: genre, age, or interest. Below, you’ll find a list of the most popular game genres and what age groups they are best suited for.
– Action/Adventure Games: These games typically have a storyline that will take an average player at least 10 hours to complete. These games are best for children eight years old and up because these games can become quite difficult and maybe too much for younger children.
– First Person Shooter (FPS) Games: FPS games are usually made up of short missions with quick gameplay that is great for kids who want to kill some time but don’t want to spend hours on a single play session. These games are best suited for children 12 years old and up due to the violence in most FPS games and the high difficulty level in some FPS games.
– Role-Playing Games (RPGs): RPGs have a storyline that requires exploration, puzzles, leveling up characters, and fighting enemies with turn-based combat. These games are best suited for children 12 years old and up due to the violence in most RPGs, the long gameplay sessions required to complete a mission, and the difficulty level of puzzles found in RPGs.
Finding the Right Game for Your Child’s Age and Interests
There are a few things to consider before purchasing video games for children. You want to make sure the games you buy are age-appropriate, but it’s also important to find one that is interesting and engaging. Here are some suggestions for finding the right game your child will love:
*Playing With Friends: If your child likes playing games with friends or siblings, it might be good to look for games that can be played together. Games like Lego Star Wars or Mario Kart allow kids to play cooperatively with their friends or family members.
*Storytelling: If your child likes reading stories, they may enjoy games like The Sims or Minecraft. These games tell an engaging story and are good options if your child is interested in storytelling.
*Making Music: If your children like music and making beats, they might love 8-bit sounds. 8-bit sound is an easy way to get kids interested in creating music without much effort. They don’t need any musical knowledge at all!
*Family Fun: Some families have more than one child who loves video games – in these cases, it’s important to find something that everyone will enjoy! We suggest finding either cooperative or competitive games so that everyone feels involved when playing together.
What to Look for When Buying a Game
When you’re buying video games for children, there are a few things to keep in mind.
– You want the game to be age-appropriate. You can use the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system to find which games are appropriate for your child’s age range.
– Look for games that have a tutorial. This will help your child understand how the game works and give them an introduction to the gameplay before you start playing with them.
– Keep in mind that some video games require internet access and might not be appropriate if you don’t want your child spending time on their screens.
– If you buy physical copies of games, look for ones that come with extra content like DLC or expansions. These can provide hours of entertainment for your child and can make the purchase worth it if it has what they love about the game on day one.
Check out the ESRB rating.
One of the most important things to consider when buying a game for kids is the rating. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has developed a rating system to help parents determine which games are appropriate for their children.
Games labeled E for Everyone should be appropriate for everyone and do not contain any content that is not suitable for children. There are also ratings for teens and adults, so this is a great resource to ensure you get the right game for your child’s age range.
In addition to looking at the ESRB rating, it’s also worth checking out what platforms your child has access to. Video game consoles like Xbox One or PlayStation 4 can have different restrictions than PC games. When in doubt, ask!
Get recommendations from friends and family.
One of the best ways to find out which games are appropriate for your child is to ask other parents. They’ll be able to give you some recommendations and will be familiar with age-appropriate content in video games. Plus, they might have a few tricks up their sleeve that you didn’t think of!
You can also get recommendations from your child’s school or library. You never know what they might have in stock that would be perfect for your little gamer.
Considerations When Buying a New Game
Before buying a new game for your child, there are many things to consider. One of the most important is what system they currently have. If they don’t have a console, you can buy one and bundle it with the new game.
Here are some other considerations to think about when looking at games:
– What age range is appropriate for the game?
– How long do players spend playing each day?
– Is there violence in the game?
– Does it teach kids anything?
– Would my child enjoy this type of game?
How to Find This at the Store
It can be hard to find games you’re sure are age-appropriate for your kids. Luckily, there are a few ways to do this. The big three stores – Target, Walmart, and Target – offer a variety of video games in different genres and price points. Online retailers like Amazon also have a wide range of options to choose from.
To find the perfect game for your child:
- Take some time to explore the different options available in the store or online.
- Read reviews about the games before you buy them as well; you may want to talk with other parents who have played the game first or ask a local gaming expert at your favorite tech store which games they recommend.
- When it comes to digital purchases, make sure you disable any features that would allow in-game purchases or downloads before downloading or buying them.
Doing so will ensure that your child can’t spend money without adult permission on an app that may not be appropriate for their age group.
Conclusion
The world of video games is huge. There is a number of games out there that are designed to appeal to different ages and interests. But which ones are right for your child?
There’s no easy answer to this question, but we’ve put together a list of tips and suggestions to help you make the best decision for your family. Of course, you’ll need to consider the type of game (platform, genre, etc.), the age and interest of your child, and the ESRB rating when making your decision. And don’t forget to check with friends and family for recommendations!
To find the games, you’re looking for, visit your local video game store or browse online. You can also find great deals on used games at places like Game Stop or Amazon.
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