With the rise of video games, more and more parents are looking for PC games suitable for children. Parents want to ensure their kids are playing games that are not only fun but also safe and age-appropriate. Choosing the right games can be challenging, especially when some games marketed for children may include online connectivity or in-game purchases that parents may want to monitor.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best PC games for children, broken down by age group. We’ll also discuss the importance of parental involvement in gaming and provide tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for kids.
While many modern parents grew up playing video games, the landscape of gaming has changed significantly. Nowadays, many popular games include features like online multiplayer and microtransactions, which can present risks for children.
Online Connectivity
Games with online features can expose children to communication with strangers, which may not always be safe. Parents should monitor their children’s online activity to ensure they aren’t speaking to inappropriate individuals.
Microtransactions
Many games feature in-game purchases, such as additional items or skins. Children may not fully understand the value of money, and there have been cases where kids accidentally spend large sums of money without realizing it. Setting up parental controls and password-protecting purchases can help prevent these issues.
Tools for Parents: How to Choose Safe Games
Choosing the best games for your kids can be tricky. However, tools like Common Sense Media and video-sharing platforms like YouTube can help parents make informed decisions about which games are appropriate for their child. Common Sense Media offers in-depth reviews, including the educational value and potential risks of video games, so parents can determine if the game aligns with their values.
The best way to understand the content of a game is to play it alongside your child. This allows you to assess the game firsthand and also enjoy quality time together.
Best PC Games for Kids Aged 3-7
1. Minecraft
Composers: C418, Lena Raine, Kumi Tanioka
Genres: Survival game, Action-adventure game, Nonlinear gameplay
Designers: Markus Persson, Jens Bergensten
- Why it’s great: Minecraft is an incredibly popular game for young children because it encourages creativity. Kids can build entire worlds and unleash their imagination. While there is some basic combat in the game, parents can set the difficulty to Peaceful Mode to eliminate hostile creatures.
- Educational value: Enhances creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.
2. LEGO Worlds
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Initial release date: 1 June 2015
Developers: TT Games, Traveller’s Tales
Genres: Action-adventure game, Shooter Video Game, Simulation Video Game, Fighting game, Nonlinear gameplay, Adventure
- Why it’s great: LEGO Worlds is similar to Minecraft but with a greater emphasis on building. The game doesn’t have much combat, making it more suitable for younger kids.
- Educational value: Encourages creativity and spatial reasoning.
3. Alba: A Wildlife Adventure
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is an adventure game developed and published by Ustwo Games in 2020. It was initially launched for iOS, macOS, and Windows that year, with versions for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S following in 2021. The Windows and console editions were co-published by PID Games and Ustwo.
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Developers: Ustwo, Plug In Digital S.A.R.L.
Initial release date: 11 December 2020
Genre: Adventure game
Publishers: Ustwo, Plug In Digital
- Why it’s great: A calming game where kids explore nature and wildlife. It’s educational, with no violence, making it perfect for young children.
- Educational value: Teaches environmental awareness.
Best PC Games for Kids Aged 8-12
1. Roblox
Roblox is an online platform and game creation system developed by Roblox Corporation. It enables users to design, create, and play games made by themselves or other users on the platform.
Programming language: C++
Genres: First-person shooter, Simulation Video Game · See more
- Why it’s great: Roblox offers a wide range of mini-games, created by both developers and users. It’s highly engaging, but parents should take extra precautions by enabling parental controls to restrict chat functions and control spending.
- Educational value: Encourages creativity and social interaction.
2. Stardew Valley
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, macOS, PlayStation 4, iOS
Developers: The Secret Police Limited, ConcernedApe, ConcernedApe LLC
Publishers: Eric Barone, Chucklefish, ConcernedApe, Fangamer, 505 Games, ConcernedApe LLC
Initial release date: 26 February 2016
- Why it’s great: Stardew Valley is a farming simulator that allows children to build farms, care for animals, and grow crops. It promotes positive messages about nature and responsibility.
- Educational value: Teaches responsibility, time management, and teamwork.
3. A Boy and His Blob
Initial release date: 13 October 2009
Developers: WayForward, Abstraction
Genres: Platform game, Puzzle Video Game, Adventure game, Adventure
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3
Publishers: Majesco Entertainment, Ziggurat, Limited Run Games
- Why it’s great: This heartwarming platformer tells a story of friendship between a boy and his blob companion. It’s simple to play and introduces children to platformer mechanics.
- Educational value: Encourages critical thinking and teamwork.
Best PC Games for Teens Aged 13-17
1. Fortnite
Fortnite is an online video game and platform created by Epic Games, launched in 2017. It offers six different game mode versions, all of which share similar core gameplay mechanics.
Genres: Battle royale game, Platform game, Third-person shooter
Developers: Epic Games, People Can Fly
- Why it’s great: Fortnite is a battle royale game that’s highly popular among teens. The game features fast-paced action and colorful, cartoon-like graphics. Parents should be aware of the game’s online features and in-game purchases.
- Educational value: Teaches strategic thinking and teamwork.
2. Overcooked! 2
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Initial release date: 7 August 2018
Developers: Team17, Ghost Town Games
Publisher: Team17
- Why it’s great: A co-op cooking game where players work together to prepare food orders. It’s excellent for teaching teamwork and communication skills.
- Educational value: Teaches collaboration, time management, and communication.
3. Guacamelee!
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, macOS, Wii U, PlayStation Vita
Developers: Drinkbox Studios, Broken Rules
Initial release date: 9 April 2013
Publisher: Drinkbox Studios
- Why it’s great: This platformer game is full of colorful visuals and fun action. While it can be challenging, it’s a great game for teens who want to experience something more fast-paced.
- Educational value: Promotes quick reflexes and problem-solving.
Tips for Parents
- Use Parental Controls: Many games come with built-in parental controls, allowing parents to restrict purchases, disable chat functions, and monitor gaming activity.
- Play Games Together: The best way to ensure a game is safe for your child is to play it with them. This also provides a great opportunity to bond and share in the experience.
- Monitor Online Play: Ensure that your child is not speaking to strangers online. Games with multiplayer options can sometimes expose children to inappropriate conversations or interactions.
Conclusion
Choosing PC games suitable for children can be challenging, but with careful monitoring and research, parents can ensure their kids enjoy gaming safely. Tools like Common Sense Media and YouTube are invaluable resources for determining whether a game is appropriate. By using parental controls and playing games together, parents can ensure a positive gaming experience that is both fun and safe for their children.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best PC game for young children?
Ans: Minecraft is one of the best PC games for young children due to its focus on creativity and imagination. Parents can further customize the game by enabling Peaceful Mode to remove any combat elements.
Q2. How can I ensure my child doesn’t make in-game purchases?
Ans: You can enable parental controls in most games and password-protect your payment details. This will prevent your child from making purchases without your permission.
Q3. Should I let my child play games with online multiplayer?
Ans: While online multiplayer games can be fun, they also come with risks. It’s best to monitor who your child is interacting with online and disable chat features where possible.
Q4. What are some educational PC games for children?
Ans: Games like Lightbot, Planet Coaster, and Civilization 6 offer educational experiences that teach problem-solving, critical thinking, and even history and physics.
Q5. Are violent games suitable for kids?
Ans: While some games may have combat, it’s important to consider how the violence is presented. Games like Fortnite have cartoonish violence that is less intense, but parents should still monitor the content to ensure it aligns with their values.
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