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Buying Video Games for Kids

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With video game sales burgeoning beyond a multi-billion dollar industry, video gaming is fast becoming the favourite pastime of adults and kids. Quickly replacing the likes of internet, TV, and good old fashion outside playtime, the target market for video games is stretching to younger audiences. Although the dynamics of the entertainment market are continually changing, a problem lies not with younger video gamers, but what games these button fiends play. Despite a growing number of younger gamers this does not entail video games are becoming more sensitive to their impressionable markets. Video game violence is not only the norm, but is increasing in popularity, regularity, and vulgarity. Take for instance the latest Grand Theft Auto release GTA 4: San Andreas. This past July, it was discovered that the already violent video game, (gamer situations include killing police officers, gang violence, etc.,) held a hidden X-rated mini game unlockable for your enjoyment. What's even more disturbing is the frequency kids discuss these with awe at school and playtime (assuming they play things other than video games.)

This article will assume that parents are interested in learning when it comes to monitoring video game content for their kids. One would also assume parents are spending more time buying games and scrutinizing the content to ensure junior remains relatively innocent a little longer. However, recent polls reveal parents wilfully ignore game ratings when buying. This article is dedicated to equipping you, the interested parent, and not how to ward off blatant laziness.

5 Helpful Hints for Buying Appropriate Video Games for Kids

1. It is important to be involved in your child's gaming activity. Watch them play, discuss the game once finished, and try to understand what components of the game your kid enjoys the most. This will help you understand the content of a particular game and will help underscore what your kid thinks is fun. Of course all kids have different levels of maturity, and parents should be sensitive to each individual.

2. Before purchasing spend a few minutes reading online reviews. In a matter of 5 minutes you can find enough information that will not only give concise video game summaries, various ratings, but will enable you to read the opinions of various other reviewers as well. You can gather valuable information from varying opinions that will help you determine the content, playability, and cost. Let's face it, mind as well get all the bang for your video game buck because they're not cheap!

3. When you reach the store be sure to spend time reading the labels, looking at the game art, and checking the ESRB rating. This is a step the majority of parents overlook or do not take seriously. By reading the labels you get a quick description of the game content, you will be surprised how useful these labels are. The independent video game reviewer body, the Entertainment Software Rating Board, place ratings on every video game box. Do not overlook this rating and the accompanying content descriptions because rest assured, the ESRB will not lie. Their descriptions are clear when describing potential violent situations that could occur during gameplay. Their ratings are self-explanatory and follow a similar system as movies. The rating symbols and recommended audiences are: "E" is for Everyone, "eC" denotes Early Childhood, "E10 " Everyone 10 and up, "T" marks Teens 13 and up, "M" Mature rating for ages 17 and up, "AO" is Adults Only, and finally "RP" means Rating Pending. Once again, you are the best judge regarding the maturity level of your kid, perhaps a rating of "T" for teen is too much for them to handle.

4. Online gaming may change gaming descriptions. Many PC games, some Playstaiton 2, mobile games, and Xbox Live games have features that enable gamers to go online and play with other people, young and old. The box reviews may contain a warning, "online gameplay may change%u2026" This means conversations between players, strategies, etc., are largely dictated by human players, many of whom are far older than your newbie kid. Be sure to watch online gameplay, however, a good rule of thumb is: if the game is already violent, it will remain so online. Sound easy? It is.

5. Finally, review the game you just bought with your kid. Despite your work researching the actual game may differ from your pre-conceived notion. Not all sports games are as sporty and innocent as you may believe. Don't be shy, sit down and pick up the controller, even if you're going to be beat by a 10 year old. All too often games are bought without any time spent reviewing the content, and then kids are left alone to play till their hearts content.

These are but 5 suggestions that when implemented, will enable you to purchase appropriate video games with greater care. There is a heavy movement from the state to restrict video games via censorship, proof of age verifications, etc. Although some of these measures make sense, ultimately it is the responsibility of the parent to monitor the content of video games. So equip yourself. Take 5-10 minutes before your next purchase and do some quick research. And of course, don't hesitate to play the games you bought, if only to raise your kid's self-esteem by consistently losing due to your inept gaming self--but at least you did your job before hand.

Check out Christian Blog POMOTHEO for more thoughts and commentary on world news and events.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barry_Nagassar

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Cheap discounts on all video game consoles and video games, just what everyone is looking for. Get great name brand products cheap and with many added discounts. Nintendo wii, xbox 360, Playstation 3 ps3 , Sony psp and the Nintendo DS, are all great systems. Video game console and video games are great. The Nintendo wii, is a very popular item with kids, teens, and adults. The video game system you choose must fit your personality. There is a lot of video games and video games consoles, to choose from, so enjoy.

The key to deciding which video game console to purchase, is going to greatly depend on who is going to playing it. The playstation3 in awesome. The playstaion 3 has a large varity of game. The xbox360 has the flexability of playing both games and dvds. The xbox360 islike having two electronics into one. The Wii video game console is a good for younger children. But they are not the only ones using the wii. Wii fit has brung those wanting to get fit back into the game

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Buy Cheap Used Video Games

Buy Cheap Used Video Games

In general, there is one thing that separates the video game industry from all other entertainment industries. Based on the title of this article, take a guess on what that might be? Right, the cost! Let's face it, video games are expensive. Look no further than the release of the Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii as an indication of this. Not only that, but sales prices have actually increased over the cost of video game consoles the previous generation.

The Nintendo Wii may have the benefit of the doubt here, but there's no denying the increase of prices for both the Microsoft and Sony consoles. We're talking about investments here. Typically, people that want to be entertained are not looking forward to taking out a bank loan just to do so. Unfortunately, these high price tags aren't limited to console hardware. In fact, even the software that's available for each console can cost upwards of sixty dollars or more. Pretty crazy, I know! This is where the true value of purchasing used games come in.

The great thing about used games is that it's not difficult to find them for very cheap prices. Over the last 5 years, the library of used games has increased quite a bit. Taking note of this increase, it should not be difficult to find a game in particular that you may be looking for. From personal experience, I've found games of virtually every genre. You may remember a game that you really wanted to play, but simply didn't have the budget or whatever the case may be, to purchase that title. Head on over to your local game store, and see if you can find it in the used section. Chances are, you'll also find it for heck of a lot cheaper.

There are a lot of places that sell used video games. Some of these places include retailers like Blockbuster, Micro Play, EB Games, etc. - Virtually every game related retailer carries them. You may find deals along the lines of purchasing two titles for the price of one. In my case, I purchased two games I never got the chance to play, for ten bucks - Yes, ten dollars! There may be other deals along the lines of buying two titles, and getting the second one half-price. Again, it all depends on where you shop. Generally speaking though, it's not hard at all to find games for cheap, and in some cases (I've personally had many cases like this), really cheap.

It's a great feeling. You walk into your local Blockbuster, and "boom", your hit with this intense view of all these games you've always wanted to play, and for really low prices. Games you forgot that you wanted to play, and now you can. In the video game world, you may sometimes hear this word, "hidden gems." Essentially games that have been given great reviews, but somehow didn't catch the attention of the general public. Now here's another reason to go back and look for those titles.

Some people may wonder about the quality of the games. In my case, I'm usually given a thirty-day money back guarantee. Basically, if within those thirty days something is wrong with my game, I have the option of returning it. I've purchased a ton of used titles, and had only one incident where I had to return it. So I would suspect, based on personal experience, that the titles you end up purchasing should be working fine. With the rise of increased game sales, which includes prices for both hardware and software, there has never been a better time to take a look at the used-games section at your local video game retailer. You may just find the game you've always wanted to play. Good luck!

Andre Garcia loves video games and has been involved with the game industry for many years. People that enjoy playing video games can learn if it's actually possible to get a job as a video game tester and be paid for it. For all your latest video game news and more, visit: Your Gaming Source

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andres_Garcia

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