Video Games: The Quick Guide for Parents Who Want to Understand (and Connect) with Their Kids
If every time your son or daughter talks about video games you feel like you need a translator, or if you've bought into the simplistic idea that they are "bad by default"... this post is for you!
Clueless mom or dad, welcome! We want to turn you into a “Tech-Dad” or “Tech-Mom” who understands their kids’ culture. Let’s start with a key fact: video games are no longer a niche, they are the new normal.
The “Gamer” Phenomenon: More Than Just a Hobby
Does your child speak an incomprehensible language full of gamer slang? Do they sit in silence with their friends, mesmerized by their phone screen? Don’t worry, your child is one of the more than 18 million players in Spain. The video game industry has grown dizzyingly, surpassing traditional entertainment giants in revenue:
A “Guys’ Thing”? Not at All!
Forget the stereotype. Today, parity in the number of players is almost total. In fact, in key age ranges (like 10 to 14 years old), girls spend more hours “hitting the controller” (as my mother would say) than boys!
Average weekly playtime in Spain: 8.1 hours. (A fairly moderate number compared to other countries).
The Dominance of the Small Screen
While the classic console is still a favorite, the Smartphone is quickly gaining ground. PCs and Tablets also have their place in the gamer’s heart.
💡 In short: Players are no longer “weirdos” prone to isolation. They are at the center of one of the most present and vibrant cultures of our time, serving as a primary means of socialization for youth. You don’t want to be left on the sidelines!
A Quick Map of Gamer Diversity
To close that generational gap, let’s do a quick review of what types of games they’re hooked on. There is life (a lot of it) beyond Fortnite:
1. Multiverses: Creativity Without Limits
Open environments where players, through their avatars, can develop their creativity and build. The icon: Minecraft, a social phenomenon that is much more than a game.
2. Shooters: Pure Action
First-person action games (”I am the weapon”). Examples: The classics Call of Duty and Counter-Strike, or the recent smash hit: Valorant.
3. Battle Royale: The Last One Standing
The dynamic is to endure and be the last survivor among many simultaneous players. Examples: Fortnite (the “nightmare” of many parents) or the mobile phenomenon Stumble Guys.
4. Sports: Passion on the Joystick
Soccer, basketball, F1... Any sport! Iconic example: FIFA/EA Sports FC, often an intergenerational delight.
5. RPG (Role-Playing Games): Character Evolution
Players control a character who evolves, acquires skills, and advances in a narrative. Famous subcategory: Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs), like the infamous World of Warcraft (WOW).
6. Arcade: Challenges and Reflexes
Platformers, puzzles, adventures of all kinds. Pop Icons: Super Mario or Sonic.
7. Simulators: Playing at Being Someone Else
From airplanes, trains, amusement parks... and even lives (The Sims).
Heads Up: AAA releases (the big blockbusters) are true cultural events that take years of work. An informed parent should know that not all types of games have the same impact.
Not Too Much Prohibition, Not Too Much Freedom: Pros and Cons
The reality is that video games, rather than a problem, are a parenting management challenge. It’s an immersive form of entertainment that requires parents to set boundaries.
Debunking Common Myths
Do they induce violence? This idea lacks any statistical basis. In fact, some studies indicate that the countries where people play the most are the safest! Attributing youth violence solely to a game is oversimplifying; it’s like saying a cannibal became one because they played Parcheesi.
Are they an addiction? The WHO defines “Gaming disorder” as a behavioral disorder, and studies indicate it only affects about 0.5% of the population. There is a big difference between having to set limits on playtime and having a serious behavioral problem!
The Benefits That Do Exist
In moderation, video games offer multiple cognitive and social benefits:
Cognitive Development: They help improve creative skills, planning, and strategic thinking.
Social Development: They allow them to develop their digital identity (through avatars) and be part of one of the largest and most vibrant cultural communities that exist.
General Well-being: They contribute to well-being and much-needed mental health.
The Great Challenge: Connect!
Managing their use, the number of hours, and the consoles is a constant challenge, yes. But it requires an effort on our part to understand their cultural relevance. Video games are also a huge opportunity to share experiences. As digital as they may be, that time together can be not only fun but also constructive.
🔗 Tech-Dad/Mom Recommendation: If you’ve fallen to the bottom of the generational gap, I recommend The Good Gamer. It’s an educational project that offers valuable information for getting started safely in this culture.
Go ahead and ask them what they’re playing today!
The breakdown of difrent game genres is incredibly helpful for parents trying to understand what their kids are actualy playing. It's fascinatin how gaming has evolved from just a hobby into a major cultural force. The point about cognitive and social benifits really resonates, espcially when so many kids today build friendships through multiplayer games. Setting healthy boundries while still respecting the importance of gaming culture is definitely the balance we need to strike.