Why some gaming is good
With Microsoft last week forking out US$2.5billion to acquire a game worth $26.95, gaming – and its impact on kids – is back in the news.
The sale is a great outcome for Mojang, the Swedish-based developer now rolling in the dough. But whether you love or loathe the idea of online gaming for kids, Minecraft – Microsoft’s newest multi-billion dollar asset and the best-selling PC game of all time – is a tempting baby-sitter for even the most anti-screen parent on a hangover. Or a long-haul flight.Or a Sunday.
So what is it that’s made this game, more than any other, loved by parents otherwise opposed to outsourcing child-care to a screen?
Image : Flickingerbrad
Since it was developed in 2009, Minecraft’s central character, Steve, has fired up the imaginations of kids (and adults) of both genders as they build, survive and thrive in a Lego-esque environment.
Minecraft’s open ended – or “sandcraft”, to those in the know – design means Steve can amble freely through the various landscapes – there are few set rules on how to use the game. So once he’s figured out how to feed himself, collect wood, make tools and build basic shelter (to protect himself from the monsters of the night), he can move on to world domination – or at least thinking about furniture, finding caves, or building a village.
For pro-Minecraft parents, the game is akin to modern-day story-telling: your kids are presented with an empty environment to modify as their imagination allows. But for those sitting on the fence, here’s a list of the pros and cons to consider before clicking ‘buy’ and entering the blocky world of Minecraft and online gaming in general:
Pros
– Teaches computer literacy. Let’s face it – it’s the future of reading, writing and ‘rithmetic.
– Builds imagination. Games like Minecraft are akin to digital story-telling.
– Boosts creativity. Kids learn to explore, build tools, mine for resources, nourish themselves, create things and fight off enemies. Well, virtually, anyway.
– Teaches problem solving. Why not practice in a setting where dire consequences canbe contained with a push of the power button?
– Builds communities. Online they may be (although true fans can attend Minecraft conferences and events) – but all still provide support and interaction based around acommon theme.
– Restricted modes. Parents can select less-scary versions of the game for very young kids and disallow multi-player options.
– Child-friendly rating. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has classified the game E – meaning everyone can play.
Cons
– Security. As with anything online, parents can’t control what others might do in multiplayer mode – like stealing tools from your child’s character.
– Mods. Once players start downloading publicly-created files to enhance the game, there’s a risk of exposure to viruses or content that doesn’t fit the E rating.
– Scary stuff. Caves, monsters, zombies, and the occasional killing of an animal for food – although switching to Creative mode makes it vegetarian-friendly.
– Addiction. Not that we’ve ever sat down for five minutes/an hour on Facebook.- Supervision. Maybe not strictly necessary, but always recommended if you have the time. But who knows – you might just enjoy it yourself.