Fun & Games / Pretblad

Introduction to pc games for parents

Pc games have changed the way our children play. No longer do they just play board games or participate in sport, they can now also enjoy these activities through pc games.

You as parent may sometimes feel threatened by the pc games your children play, but at the same time must acknowledge how your children also become power users of technology.

In most of our childhood experiences, the original arcade and TV games were our only exposure to advanced technology. Our children play games on their cellphones, their computers, on the Internet, through networking, and video or playstation consoles. They have no fear of technology and in many instances have more advanced knowledge of Bluetooth, GPS and even our DVD remotes. We face a totally new generation and a vastly different way to play pc games.

The types of pc games as well as video or console games played have expanded tremendously during the past few years. You can fight horrible beasts; build enterprises; design cities; fight ancient battles; drive fast cars; play monopoly; search for gold; create life like characters; direct movies or battle it out in Counter Strike type of pc games against other networkers.

What's suitable for your children is a decision that lies with you as the parent. How much time they spend playing pc and video games, what type of language or violence they are exposed to and what type of people they mingle with while they network, are concerns that you as parent have to deal with.

This article is intended to give you as the parent a basic understanding of the types pc and video games so that you at least know what your children say when they refer to FPS etc. You need to understand your children's interests to help you make better decisions. Rather than just saying no, and alienating your children, you can be become involved and when you do say no, your children will be able to respect your decision because they know you are informed about the pc and video games world.

The simplest types of pc and video games

The least complicated type of Internet game is normally Flash or Java based. Examples of this type include simple shooting and old style arcade games. Diner Dash (Flo's Diner) falls in this category. Your child plays the game online and can download it to his/her pc. The full version can then be purchased and also downloaded in a jiffy. These games are normally innocent with little exposure to the violence found in more complex games. There are hundreds of educational games that fall in this category. Parents can play these types of games as well and in most instances will find it a rewarding experience.

First person shooter games

These types of pc and video games can be played on a number of platforms including console, Xbox, Xbox 360, pc, online, playstation, playstation 2, playstation 3 and other video gaming equipment. They are very popular, especially amongst teenager boys. This is where the player sees the world through the eyes of one character and shoots at targets or other players in the game. Games that come to mind include, Counter Strike, Half Life, Doom, Battlefield etc.

Do you need to be concerned about these pc games and console games?

If your child is still too young to play these types of pc and video games, definitely! Some of them contain bad language and extreme violence. Make sure your child is 12 and above for these games and limit the time of exposure to these games. Purchase other games such as racing and flying games that can be played as well. The main goal in networking and Internet FPS gaming is to kill the opponent. If your child is too young, he or she may not differentiate between reality and gaming and it is therefore advisable not to allow too young children to participate in these networking and online gaming types. If your child is able to discern what is real and not, then these pc games can be real fun.

Author: Isebell Gauché 2007