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-   -   If you had a child... (https://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=400650)

BronzeHeart92 October 12th, 2017 5:32 AM

If you had a child...
 
How would you introduce them to the world of gaming? Would you start with the current generation or would you start with SNES for example and gradually work upward from there?

Sawsbuck October 12th, 2017 6:38 AM

The classic stuff and I would also ban all COD games from being in my house

TY October 12th, 2017 6:44 AM

"See TY Junior this is Rise of Nations, a game from the RTS genre and there is plenty of other good stuff in the RTS genre, but not now... now is a different time *vietnam flashbacks*"

PokZoom October 12th, 2017 9:11 AM

start with fun platformers like LBP or Mario. Later move them into Pokemon games and RPG's. When near 11 or older introduce them to Halo, Uncharted or other shooters or action adventures.

El Héroe Oscuro October 12th, 2017 10:26 AM

Pop in Dark Souls and tell him it's an easy game.

ZeoStar October 12th, 2017 10:36 AM

Grand Theft Auto 5 on his 5th birthday

Graine October 12th, 2017 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Héroe Oscuro (Post 9773074)
Pop in Dark Souls and tell him it's an easy game.

That's what I'm talking about. "Git Gud or get out my household scrub". Gotta teach them while they're young.

As for me, this is the first game intro they would ever see. And they're not leaving the couch until they have the 100 Jiggies and 900 Notes.

Alfieri October 12th, 2017 1:51 PM

I've already influenced my 8 year old niece in a sinister way. My favorite game is Pokémon Sapphire and so I got her Alpha Sapphire for her 3DS. My favorite Pokémon also happens to be Blaziken. So I gave her my Torchic plush in hopes that she'll choose Torchic as her starter and love Blaziken and Hoenn as much as I do. >:)

Arsenic October 12th, 2017 3:03 PM

What kind of parent would dictate what kind of games a child has to play first. Play what interests you, that's the whole point of video games in the first place.

And besides, does a modern child even need video games introduced to them? Games are rather entrenched in our society as it is.

Desert Stream~ October 12th, 2017 5:05 PM

If my kids hadn't memorized skyrim by the age of 2, I'd be very disappointed in them.'

they'd play oblivion first tho

thedestinedblade October 12th, 2017 5:45 PM

My nephew, who is now 6, started with me letting him play Mario Galaxy, Sunshine and a few N64 titles like Majora's Mask and Paper Mario. Maybe not the best game for beginners, but he was immediately hooked. He loved Breath of the Wild too and I couldn't believe when he actually beat the final boss!

string555 October 12th, 2017 6:14 PM

Well, I was 3 when I first started playing games on the NES, and I still have that system, so I would probably get them started on that. Kids learn quickly, so they could get rolling on a bunch of games with just a little guidance.

Then one proud day, 'The student surpasses the master' :')

El Héroe Oscuro October 14th, 2017 6:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedestinedblade (Post 9773270)
My nephew, who is now 6, started with me letting him play Mario Galaxy, Sunshine and a few N64 titles like Majora's Mask and Paper Mario. Maybe not the best game for beginners, but he was immediately hooked. He loved Breath of the Wild too and I couldn't believe when he actually beat the final boss!

Super Mario Galaxy is actually a really good choic for a young kid. I'm sure they would love the music in that game, which is so good that is would expand its imagination!
Quote:

Originally Posted by string555 (Post 9773278)
Well, I was 3 when I first started playing games on the NES, and I still have that system, so I would probably get them started on that. Kids learn quickly, so they could get rolling on a bunch of games with just a little guidance.

Then one proud day, 'The student surpasses the master' :')

Would a three year old have difficulties playing video games because of their motor skills?

string555 October 14th, 2017 8:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Héroe Oscuro (Post 9774198)
Would a three year old have difficulties playing video games because of their motor skills?

It would probably be different for all kids, but I did fine playing Duck Hunt, Super Mario, Megaman 2, and a few others.

Raffy98 October 14th, 2017 8:48 AM

I'd introduce him with some of the classics, but then he's able to play what he wants. Liking a game has to be spontaneous in my opinion.

thedestinedblade October 14th, 2017 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Héroe Oscuro (Post 9774198)
Super Mario Galaxy is actually a really good choic for a young kid. I'm sure they would love the music in that game, which is so good that is would expand its imagination!

You're absolutely right! He loved the music from Galaxy 1 and 2 and still hums a few of the songs on occasion.

Sydian October 14th, 2017 12:14 PM

For someone that doesn't want kids, I think about this a lot. Anyway, I have systems from the NES to the PS4 and Wii U, so I mean. I don't think there would really be a "starting point" so to speak, because I play all my consoles somewhat evenly. For the most part, it just depends on what games I'm currently playing. And often times, I replay games, so Lil Syd would probably get to enjoy things from all sorts of decades. I personally don't think there's any particular way to introduce children to gaming? Though if they start being heavy into it, I think it is important to understand and recognize classics.

I'm not of the mindset that "oh games were better back in the day hurr hurr" because lol. It largely depends on the game itself and how it's aged. There's no perfect era, in my opinion. Just let'em play whatever appeals to them, regardless of console. Age appropriate, of course. lol

Desert Stream~ October 14th, 2017 12:56 PM

In all honesty, start them with the old games, not because they were better, but because it's just so hard to go back. I'm sure games like FF7, Morrowind, etc. were great, but I can't bring myself to play them.

Arsenic October 14th, 2017 2:59 PM

Man whats with all the Communist Russia parents here...

Time to start a revolution for childhood freedom!

Somewhere_ October 14th, 2017 3:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arsenic (Post 9773205)
What kind of parent would dictate what kind of games a child has to play first. Play what interests you, that's the whole point of video games in the first place.

And besides, does a modern child even need video games introduced to them? Games are rather entrenched in our society as it is.

I'm no parent or expert, but its probably a good idea as a parent to introduce your kids to games that are age appropriate.

MaÓ¾iej October 14th, 2017 9:29 PM

Spoiler:
I'd more than likely be sure to have them steer clear of any F2P games with Microtransactions and just for my sake. Those gatcha games (or whatever the term is) just love to pull you in deeper and deeper, especially if RNG isn't on your side like it has often been for me. I'd warn them about those games and especially any games that $60 but love to do Microtransactions and paid DLC. This comes from experience since I play one of those games. I'm mostly a cheap 2 player but I have spent some money on it over the past year. It really adds up when you look your history.

Yeah, I know there is a discussion over this. I just figured I'd mention one thing I'd like to ensure they avoid because it's frustrating when RNG is clearly against you, then you spend more of your hard-earned money/ allowance. The stress really isn't worth it in many cases.


Another thing I'd do is attempt to introduce them to retro platformers/ old school platforms as soon as possible or maybe that's a bad idea. If they start getting good at games, I'll throw the original Contra at them. That should be a good stepping stone to something like Cuphead. Speaking of platformers, I think another good one to introduce them to if you got a PS3 and have it is Little Big Planet. While it does get difficult later on, it's pretty easy to learn many of the primary mechanics. Not to mention, with a little help, you might even be able to jump-start their creative spark with the level creator. (assuming they have one)

Of course, they don't have to like what I like. I'd try my best to foster whatever they take to. Easier platformers or platformers in general just tend to an enjoyable starting point.

machomuu October 15th, 2017 4:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sydian (Post 9774409)
I'm not of the mindset that "oh games were better back in the day hurr hurr" because lol. It largely depends on the game itself and how it's aged. There's no perfect era, in my opinion. Just let'em play whatever appeals to them, regardless of console. Age appropriate, of course. lol

Yeah, but that's kind of why I would get them started on semi-early generation games from the get-go. I want my kid to be able to develop their own tastes and opinions, but I worry that, as is the case with pretty much any medium, if I were to throw them into what's new at the time and they get steeped in that, they might not even consider older games or, worse, be disgusted by them due to their age. That's the sort of abrasion I don't want because the moment they shut out those games is the moment they severely limit themselves both ideologically and in terms of general entertainment.

Sydian October 15th, 2017 3:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by machomuu (Post 9774700)
Yeah, but that's kind of why I would get them started on semi-early generation games from the get-go. I want my kid to be able to develop their own tastes and opinions, but I worry that, as is the case with pretty much any medium, if I were to throw them into what's new at the time and they get steeped in that, they might not even consider older games or, worse, be disgusted by them due to their age. That's the sort of abrasion I don't want because the moment they shut out those games is the moment they severely limit themselves both ideologically and in terms of general entertainment.

I think it largely depends on the child as well as the games, though. I live with my cousin, who is 9, that enjoys playing N64 and GameCube games, despite having played newer consoles like the Wii and Wii U. The latter two, she was introduced to before I lived with her. She's only gotten to play older consoles since I've been living here. When I babysit her, she'll usually ask to play whatever suits her mood (Animal Crossing, Mario Party 2, etc) and doesn't seem to go off what's newer, really.

Of course, this is one kid I'm observing, but I have older friends that have children and raised them on various consoles too. I stand by that it largely depends on the game and the child's tastes, but you know, the latter is varying.

Juno October 15th, 2017 9:31 PM

I think I'm with Arsenic here, I haven't given this much thought but if I have kids I would probably just let them choose what interests them, and I don't really have any games in mind for them to start with. I may look into the age-appropriateness of their choices, but other than that, with how many games and genres there are I wouldn't even know where to begin in introducing them into gaming.

I don't believe in starting with classics - I have a bit of an unpopular opinion here, but even for myself I've always thought classics are kind of overrated and if my kid wants to start with and only play games from their generation, I don't see why not. They were great for their time, sure, and I have a few choice classics I really enjoy (some of which I stumbled upon on my own without ever being introduced to, which is another reason why I don't think you necessarily have to provide the kid with the game or tell them to play it for them to find it appealing or anything), but for the most part I've always enjoyed newer games over older ones, so I wouldn't fault anyone for not wanting to play something dated. If they want to, that's cool too, of course, but I wouldn't think too much of it if they didn't.

Star-Lord October 15th, 2017 9:52 PM

I'm absolutely with Arsenic and Juno. I want my child to foster whatever their interests are. I'm not the biggest video game player in the world (Although I do have certain favorites like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Skyrim and other RPGs), but even if my child likes something like Minecraft... I'm there to support them, yeah? I'd certainly look into the appropriateness of the title. I'm a little iffy on warfare games like COD because I personally find them to desensitize war violence but that's only a personal opinion.

I'd let my child play with whatever the current trends are those days-- Video Gaming is a social hobby, so of course they're going to want to play with their friends in multiplayer and they're going to have to have a compatible system. I mean ideally if I say "Hey this game is Earthbound and it's pretty cool you should give it a shot" and my child loves it... then great! If they hate it and want to stick to platformers or shooters or w/e then also great. I just don't want to limit my child's potential interests.


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