I grew up in the time of Atari, Intellivision and other video game makers. Now with my PS3, Xbox 360 and the Wii for the kids how do we compare them all. Parents I believe would know more about the ‘retro’ gaming systems and the popular games of the time; Tank, Pong, Defender, Frogger and others. Before I had a console I visited what was once a popular destination for kids; the video game arcade.
Kids today and for generations to come will no longer really care to visit an arcade when the technologies used today basically envelop the player into realistic worlds traveled using real life mechanics through a joystick. As an adult I want to say I envisioned the progress I have seen BUT definitely can’t.
I have met a few people in their mid-twenties who admittedly cannot live without the internet. When it comes to gaming only the most recent and most popular game titles and systems are recognized.
The title of this post though has more to do with the fact that gaming in general has helped many families overcome struggles associated with “alienation” issues with kids to adults, kids to kids or even adults to adults. The fact that video games of today can suck a player subconsciously at least for a little while into these games allows for relationship building on a whole new scale.
Very easily through playing team oriented games or even games where both must be competitive with the other relationships can be built; “want to play again?”, “wait Dad, let me get a drink.”
I am definitely an advocate for keeping kids outside and showing them that staying off the couch is a good thing. At the same time for those families that are into the technology thing I believe and suggest taking advantage of what you have in your hands so regularly. Get the family together, your friend or your significant other. Figure what system may be right for you. Then go about figuring what games you like and can play together. Of course we all want our alone time to play but this is about togetherness for all involved.
I am not the best writer but I mean what I say in this post. I have my stepdaughter and her uncle playing Black Ops now on the PS3. We all play and have a blast. My stepson plays the Xbox with my son, they like NBA 2K12, Both step kids love to play the dancing games together on the Wii. Point is there is a lot of love through video games.
I hope it is the same for you in your household. If it isn’t, think about some of the things I mentioned. Maybe it can get you all together over there. Take care.
Related articles
- Retro-Gaming: Emerson Arcadia (halfbyteblog.wordpress.com)
- How Games Make Kids Smarter [Video] (geeksaresexy.net)
- Safe Video Game Bargains for Kids (wired.com)
- Four Video Games That Parents Can Enjoy With Their Children [MUO Gaming] (makeuseof.com)
