Family Friendly Online Games – Are they Possible?

Does the idea of quality family-time appeal to you? Adults, teenagers and younger children having fun and getting along together is something many parents strive towards. As parents, my wife and I have that hope for our family, but we need some occasional help in achieving that aim. Family games are one x https://playingperfect.com/ way of providing that help.

Online games are sometimes labelled “family friendly”, whether the game is played directly over the internet or is downloaded to play at home later. Sometimes they are called “family safe” or even just “family games”. When I look at these games I ask myself, ‘Are these games really family friendly?’

Let’s begin by asking, ‘What does “family safe” mean?’ It can be defined as reinforcing the moral values of most parents and families. Values and behaviours which do not support these, such as drug use, gambling or excessive violence, are not condoned in these games. However, this doesn’t mean there is no violence at all. As long as players are shooting or otherwise hurting animals or aliens, and not people, it is seen as acceptably “family safe”!

When a game is simply described as a “family game”, it may not support the moral values of  a “family safe” game. So-called “family games” may include actions which are illegal or immoral in the real world, all in the name of entertainment. How many online “family games” encourage speeding on public roads, the destruction of property or other criminal acts?

As well as the moral deficiency of many online games, they are generally played solo, with one player competing against a high score. Online family games rarely allow multiple players to compete against each other.

If “family games” and “family safe” games are poor descriptions of the sort of games we would like our families to play, what should we seek in “family friendly” games?

To be truly “family friendly”, games should go beyond merely being “family safe” and should actively promote beneficial family relationships. Not only should they avoid negative behaviours and values, they should encourage positive family values. Values such as showing care for each other, having fun and interacting in positive ways between all family m