More children are playing video games than ever before. With one study finding that 80% of children aged 12-15 in the UK played online games in the three months leading up to 2021, the pandemic boom in gaming is clear. With a consequential national emergency building in children’s mental health, some are even turning to video games to help with their anxiety.Â
However, many parents are concerned about the nature of the games their children have access to. In this guide, we’ll list our favourite 5 child-friendly video games – with no brutal missions or warfare involved. Instead, the focus will be on games to boost creativity, share with friends, and enjoy.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Released in 2020, this Nintendo game is powered by imagination. On start-up, you’ll find your character on a deserted island, asked to pitch a tent which will eventually become your house. You can gather tools and objects to build more houses, or you might prefer to trade them in for currency. Animal Crossing allows users to build their own society, but you’ll also be able to fish, snorkel, grow trees and meet other characters.
- Super Mario 3D All-Stars
Also released by Nintendo in 2020 for the Nintendo Switch, this compilation game celebrates the 35th anniversary of the Super Mario franchise. Gamers will be able to flick through Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking for variety.
- The Sims 4
In this classic simulation game, players can create their very own world – from communities to landscapes. Children love Sims because nothing has to make sense, and you’ll be able to build absolutely anything you want. With plenty of available add-ons and compatibility with most consoles, it’s a foolproof choice for a creative mind.
- Minecraft Dungeons
Minecraft Dungeons differs to the classic Minecraft game. Instead of being an open-world style game focusing on mining and building, this exciting new game lets players move through dungeons, beating monsters and seeking treasure. Plus, this game is available on PS4, Xbox, Switch and PC too.
- Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
The sequel to the original 2018 Marvel’s Spider-Man game, this exciting release for PS4 and PS5 follows the adventures of its hero protagonist. The unique acrobatic motions of swinging, coasting, and leaping across the New York skyline creates an iconic gameplay experience.
Visual graphics and soundtracks on video games are best enjoyed with quality monitors and hi-fi or headphones for the most immersive experience possible. To cut down costs on video games this year, why not see if you’re eligible for NHS discounts on headphones, laptops, games and more?Â
Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.