Game News Roundup: Majority of Parents Play Video Games with Their Kids
Parents are embracing video games, the NES Classic is coming back and Overwatch is celebrating its second birthday.
Report: Parents are Embracing Video Games as a Family Activity
Politicians may not know what to think about video games, but many parents (70 percent) think games have a positive influence on their kids’ lives. The Entertainment Software Association (the company behind the ratings labels you see on games in stores) released the results of their latest survey of American households. They found 94 percent of parents pay attention to the games their kids play, and 72 percent limit their kids’ playing time. These are positive numbers, as they show today’s parents (potentially gamers themselves) are paying attention to what their kids are playing, rather than just buying the game and leaving them to it. Plus, 67 percent of parents are getting in on the fun themselves by playing video games with their kids at least once a week. The top reason parents play games with their kids? “It’s fun for all of us.” We couldn’t agree more.
Nintendo is Bringing Back the NES Classic (Again)
Nintendo released the original NES Classic in late 2016, and it sold out really fast due to high, nostalgia-fueled demand and low supply. If you missed out back then will have another chance to pick up the retro console when it returns to stores June 29 for $59.99. The system is a smaller version of the original Nintendo Entertainment System from the ‘80s, and it includes 30 games that you can play right out of the box, including The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong. Parents, if you’re looking to share games from your childhood with your little ones, this is a great place to start.
Reselling Used Digital Video Games Might Be A Thing Someday
A company called Robot Cache wants to make it possible for users to sell their digital games (games you purchase off the internet), and purchase “used” copies of digital games at a discount. This means if you or your kids buy a game you quickly tire of, you may be able to sell it to get some of your money back. Bonus: If your kid wants a new game and you can buy it used, you’ll look like a rockstar for buying the game, but you’ll also save some cash.
Overwatch Celebrates Its Second Anniversary With Special In-Game Event
Don’t be surprised if your teen wants to clock more time in Overwatch this month. The game is celebrating its second anniversary with a major in-game event beginning May 22. Players will be able to collect 50 new cosmetic items, like character skins (costumes) and victory animations, as well as play on a brand new map. Your kids may ask you to spend money on in-game loot boxes that contain the new items, but don't feel bad if you say no -- everyone (your kids included) will receive one loot box for free as part of this event.
Brandy Berthelson has been writing about video games and technology since 2006, with her work appearing on sites including AOL Games, Digital Spy, and Adweek’s Social Pro Daily. When she’s not gaming, Brandy enjoys crafting, baking, and traveling with her husband.
