Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Helpful Guidelines For Parents Regarding Video Games

In this day and age, playing games are a way of life. Children of all ages play games for almost 30 hours a week according to research done on the topic. That's a part time job! It's almost impossible to keep kids away from video or computer games.

Parents can't beat the system, but they can get educated by keeping up to date with the latest information.

Here are some tips:

1. Know what games your children are playing. Get information on guidelines and read recommendations at http://www.ersb.com

2. Bookmark the website on your computer to keep updated.

3. Talk with teachers and other parents. Share what you know and observe.

4. Keep communication open with your children.

5. Be observant and notice any changes in your children.

6. Keep children interested and motivated. Get them involved in physical exercise.

7. Be a knowledgeable buyer. Question the companies claims.

8. Avoid buying games that are violent and help kids focus on games that use strategy and decision making skills.

9. Make sure your child stays upbeat and happy.

10. If you refuse to buy a game, explain why and let your children know they can't play those types of games.

Parents should understand the pros and cons of gaming. Limit video game time and encourage your children to interact and be social with others. Make time for your child and the gaming experience can be beneficial to both parent and child.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Like Free Fun? Try Flash Games Online!

You may have not played an online flash game in a while, or maybe you never have. If not, you are missing out on a fun experience. Sites all over the net have hundreds of creative, addictive games. You can spend all day on one, just trying to get to the next level. If you hold down a 9-5, you may need to avoid them.

You can look in lots of places to find the most fun games. Some websites actually collect flash games, organize them, and allow their users to rate the games. You can see the most popular games because they have been rated. There are many styles of games, from logic to action. My favorite site is Flash Arcade.

If you prefer to make your own games, you will need the right software for the job: Adobe Flash. It's expensive, but there is a trial version. It's a learning curve with mastering the software.

Free flash games are everywhere online and they are popular because they are
convenient. No downloads or installations. Just click and start playing!

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Renting Video Games

To be able to rent video games from home has been one of my dreams. It's satisfying to know I can rent as many as I want and generally get them in a day or two.

There are interesting statistics on this. US consumers spent over $630 billion, with a "B", renting video games in 2002. I can only guess what number that "B" is following now.

Why are people doing this? Why not buy? But, some gamers are buying. But why rent?

I think its 4 reasons: 1)cheaper, 2)can test games, 3) time sensitive, 4) convenience.

Cheap...I actually like that word. The average store charges $4-$6 dollars per rental. That gets expensive quick especially if you rent lots of titles in a week. Most of the best known rental clubs--Gottaplay and Gamefly, only charge $12.95 to around $20 per month for unlimited rental. That is a large savings.

The part I like is the fact I can test them. Ever bought a game and hated it? And you were stuck with it? Or exchange it for store credit? With renting, you can test the game before buying and even get a discount if you decide to buy it.

There is no limit to how long you can keep the game as long as you pay the monthly fee. Play as many games a month you want to and just pay the monthly fee.

Convenience is a luxury in these days. I'm always looking to save time and not put a lot of effort forward. That may be called lazy. Anyway, gas is too expensive and I love the fact I can get these games delivered on my front door step with the click of a mouse.

So buy or rent? I'm a renter for life!



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Thursday, January 31, 2008

The History Of The Video Game Console

In the dark ages, it was popular for young kids to play video games at their local arcades.

In the new age, children no longer have to endure any physical activity by walking to the arcade. Now it's plug in and play in the comfort of their homes.

This trend actually started in 1977 when Atari released the VCS. It was later changed to Atari 2600. The grand total for state-of-art video games? $249. Nintendo also released the TV Game 6 that year. And the rivalry began!

In 1980, the classic games were made. Atari's "Asteroids" and Namco's "PacMan" can easily be played on the Nintendo DS.

As 1994 approached, there were many changes in the saga of Video Games. The market crashed and many companies left--leaving Nintendo, Sega, and Atari.

1995 came and Atari left. Someone new was in the market--Sony. That year Sony released Playstation, Sega released the Saturn and Nintendo--Nintendo 64. This was the last console to use cartridges.

By 2000, Sony was the leader and released Playstation 2 . The only console to be able to play games from a previous console.

Microsoft followed with Xbox, Nintendo--Game Cube. Sega left the competiton and now focuses on developing software.

There are now Xbox360's, Playstation3's, and Wii, formerly called "Revolution".

I'm positive there will be continual changes in the video game arena


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