How To Game Responsibly
Parenting comes with plenty of tough choices—like deciding which snacks magically vanish before bedtime and figuring out how to answer those endless "why" questions. But when it comes to video games, the stakes are even higher. Some titles bring families together for hours of fun; others introduce nightmares you never signed up for. But don't worry; this list has your back. So, first, let's look at ten must-play games that guarantee laughs, teamwork, and epic bonding moments for you and your kids!
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Race into fun with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! This colorful, fast-paced racing game is perfect for kids and adults alike. It improves hand-eye coordination and reaction times while keeping things lighthearted. Plus, the non-violent content makes it ideal for family play. Why not start a friendly competition today?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Review by IGN
2. Minecraft
Creative freedom reigns in Minecraft, where kids can build and survive in a blocky world. The game promotes problem-solving skills, teamwork, and imagination. It's a safe, engaging environment, making it a top choice for kids to craft their own adventures.
MINECRAFT Gameplay Walkthrough FULL GAME (4K 60FPS) No Commentary by Shirrako
3. Super Mario Odyssey
Packed with innovative gameplay, Super Mario Odyssey offers an exciting platforming experience. Mario’s new sidekick, Cappy, allows him to possess other characters, opening up unique puzzle-solving opportunities. The game promotes creative thinking while providing hours of engaging content.
SUPER MARIO ODYSSEY Gameplay Walkthrough FULL GAME (4K 60FPS) No Commentary by Shirrako
4. Just Dance
Get moving with Just Dance. This one is a rhythm-based game that helps kids stay active while having a blast. It promotes physical exercise, coordination, and rhythm, making it an enjoyable way to get kids off the couch. Time to show off your dance moves.
Just Dance 2015 - Happy Pharrell Williams Gameplay - 5 Stars Rating [ HD ] by XCageGame
5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, kids enter a relaxing virtual world where they can design and personalize their own island. The non-competitive gameplay focuses on creating a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing space. Plus, each day brings new activities, such as fishing and bug catching.
6. Luigi's Mansion 3
Spooky fun awaits in Luigi's Mansion 3, a thrilling yet non-scary adventure. With Luigi as the reluctant hero, kids solve puzzles and capture ghosts in a haunted hotel. It’s an excellent choice for fostering problem-solving skills while keeping things light. Ready to help Luigi save his friends?
7. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
This one on the list combines action with humor in a way only Lego can. Kids explore iconic Star Wars locations, battle enemies, and solve puzzles. Moreover, the game’s Lego-inspired animation adds a fun, lighthearted twist to the classic Star Wars saga.
8. Pokemon Go
Using augmented reality, Pokemon Go gets kids outside and moving. Players must physically explore their neighborhood to catch Pokemon, which teaches both geographic awareness and active engagement. However, parents should be mindful of microtransactions and online risks to ensure a safe and positive experience.
Pokemon GO Android Gameplay by Uptodown
9. Overcooked! 2
Fast-paced and full of laughs, Overcooked! 2 challenges kids to work together to prepare meals under pressure. It builds communication skills, teamwork, and time management, all while keeping the atmosphere fun and chaotic. Can your team handle the intense heat in the kitchen?
Overcooked! 2 Gameplay (PC UHD) [4K60FPS] by Throneful
10. Rocket League
What happens when you combine soccer and rocket-powered cars? Rocket League! In this high-energy game, kids control cars that play soccer, making for fast-paced and competitive action. The game teaches teamwork, and kids will learn how to balance offensive and defensive play to win the match.
Rocket League (2021) - Gameplay (PC UHD) [4K60FPS] by Throneful
Now, let's look at ten games that you'll want to keep on a shelf so high that even the most determined kiddo can't reach.
1. Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is notorious for its graphic violence, explicit language, and mature themes. This game often glorifies illegal activities and criminal behavior, making it unsuitable for kids. Exposure to such content can negatively affect a child’s sense of morality.
Grand Theft Auto V Gameplay (PC HD) [1080p60FPS] by Throneful
2. The Last Of Us Part II
The emotional and graphic intensity of The Last of Us Part II is not something kids should experience. With deeply violent and tragic themes, the game explores loss, revenge, and human survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
THE LAST OF US 2 PS5 Gameplay 4K 60FPS HDR ULTRA HD (Upgrade Patch) by Shirrako
3. Mortal Kombat 11
Known for its brutal fatalities, Mortal Kombat 11 showcases extreme violence, blood, and gore. Kids should never be exposed to the graphic nature of this game as it may desensitize them to violence. Protect young minds from graphic content—violent games like these can have lasting effects on behavior.
Mortal Kombat 11 Gameplay 4K 60FPS by MKIceAndFire
4. Call Of Duty: Warzone
With its realistic gun violence and intense war scenarios, Call of Duty: Warzone is far too violent for kids. It promotes the glorification of war, weapons, and aggression. Exposure to this type of gameplay can influence behavior in harmful ways. Why allow your child to witness such destruction?
CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE 22 KILL SOLO GAMEPLAY! (NO COMMENTARY) by NoAnnoyingCommentary
5. Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village is packed with disturbing content, from grotesque monsters to horrific imagery. The game’s survival-horror elements include intense violence. Its themes and explicit content make it inappropriate for children, and exposure to such material can lead to nightmares and anxiety.
RESIDENT EVIL 8 VILLAGE Gameplay Walkthrough FULL GAME (4K 60FPS RTX) No Commentary by Shirrako
6. Doom Eternal
Known for its intense violence, Doom Eternal features demonic enemies and blood-soaked action. It’s a fast-paced shooter where destruction is glorified. The game's heavy use of violence and dark themes can desensitize kids to aggression and bloodshed. Hence, keep the monsters away from young minds.
Doom Eternal - High Mobility Gameplay [Nightmare Difficulty] by Yuki
7. Dead By Daylight
In Dead by Daylight, players engage in horrific gameplay where they must either escape a serial killer or take on the role of the killer themselves. Filled with fear-inducing imagery and graphic violence, the game thrives on tension and terror, making it unsuitable for kids.
DEAD BY DAYLIGHT - 13 MINUTES OF PS5 GAMEPLAY SURVIVOR (4K HDR) by RECT_HYDRA
8. Hatred
Hatred is a controversial game that revolves around mass violence and destruction. It’s designed to shock and disturb, with the player taking on the role of a character seeking to harm others. Its content is deeply inappropriate for children. Protect young ones from harmful exposure to such dark narratives.
9. Outlast 2
This game combines grotesque imagery with an unsettling narrative. It features religious horror, graphic violence, and twisted plotlines. Plus, it's an experience designed to terrify and disgust, and such exposure can harm a child's emotional and mental development.
10. Manhunt
Manhunt is infamous for its portrayal of extreme violence, where players stealthily kill targets in horrific ways. It encourages violent behavior and desensitizes players to the severity of harm, which can have dangerous impacts on young minds.
