If your 11 year old son asked to buy Gears Of Gar would you let him?

No. I wouldn't let them play GoW or other any M rated game. We have rules and they must be followed. There is also absolutely no way to hide this in my house. It is impossible and should my son get a copy of an M rated game, it would be found and returned or trashed without hesitation followed by a quick grounding at the very least.

No. I wouldn't let them play GoW or other any M rated game. We have rules and they must be followed. There is also absolutely no way to hide this in my house. It is impossible and should my son get a copy of an M rated game, it would be found and returned or trashed without hesitation followed by a quick grounding at the very least.

stepnkev

Jesus Christ dude. XD

Depends on the kid.espoac

[QUOTE="MoonMarvel"]

[QUOTE="mexicangordo"]No way, 11 is really young. They wont even understand the story behind the game. All they would notice would be the killing.gameguy6700

And THATS why you don't let them.

I think we're underestimating the cognitive capacity of an 11 year old here. Back when I was that age I understood what most of the plots in a game were as long as they were explained explicitly and not just hidden away in the instruction manual or something like that. I mean, the only reason why I liked playing RE2 for example was because of the atmosphere and the plot.

I think what doesn't make sense for that argument is a multiplayer FPS. there is no story but neither does paintball. Too many gray areas.

[QUOTE="gameguy6700"][QUOTE="MoonMarvel"]

 

 

And THATS why you don't let them.

Nifty_Shark

I think we're underestimating the cognitive capacity of an 11 year old here. Back when I was that age I understood what most of the plots in a game were as long as they were explained explicitly and not just hidden away in the instruction manual or something like that. I mean, the only reason why I liked playing RE2 for example was because of the atmosphere and the plot.

I think what doesn't make sense for that argument is a multiplayer FPS. there is no story but neither does paintball. Too many gray areas.

I was under the impression we were talking about single player games. Multiplayer I wouldn't let my kid play regardless of rating simply because XBL/PSN is no place for a kid. And you can disable their ability to play the multiplayer components of games by using the parental controls in XBL or just not buying an XBL gold subscription. I don't know how you'd block it on PSN or the PC, but removing the ethernet cord always works well (and with the PC you can just block ports).

[QUOTE="Nifty_Shark"][QUOTE="gameguy6700"]

I think we're underestimating the cognitive capacity of an 11 year old here. Back when I was that age I understood what most of the plots in a game were as long as they were explained explicitly and not just hidden away in the instruction manual or something like that. I mean, the only reason why I liked playing RE2 for example was because of the atmosphere and the plot.

gameguy6700

I think what doesn't make sense for that argument is a multiplayer FPS. there is no story but neither does paintball. Too many gray areas.

I was under the impression we were talking about single player games. Multiplayer I wouldn't let my kid play regardless of rating simply because XBL/PSN is no place for a kid. And you can disable their ability to play the multiplayer components of games by using the parental controls in XBL or just not buying an XBL gold subscription. I don't know how you'd block it on PSN or the PC, but removing the ethernet cord always works well (and with the PC you can just block ports).

Wouldn't it be easier to just let them play online but disable microphone functions?

Ive been playing them since i was 10 (Im 16 now) and im fine.

But dang your making him write a paper then he has to buy it himself(correct me if im wrong) if my parents made me do that i would have just given the money to my 19 year old next door neighbor at the time and had him buy it for me.

[QUOTE="gameguy6700"][QUOTE="Nifty_Shark"]

I think what doesn't make sense for that argument is a multiplayer FPS. there is no story but neither does paintball. Too many gray areas.

Blood-Scribe

I was under the impression we were talking about single player games. Multiplayer I wouldn't let my kid play regardless of rating simply because XBL/PSN is no place for a kid. And you can disable their ability to play the multiplayer components of games by using the parental controls in XBL or just not buying an XBL gold subscription. I don't know how you'd block it on PSN or the PC, but removing the ethernet cord always works well (and with the PC you can just block ports).

Wouldn't it be easier to just let them play online but disable microphone functions?

I still enjoy splitscreen gaming with friends that are withing driving distance. Also nobody and I mean nobody ever cares to use a mic on PC shooters where communication is not necessary.

[QUOTE="foxhound_fox"]No. A child that young is not ready to be exposed to that sort of material. Even though I personally was exposed to games like Doom at a young age, the barrier between reality and fantasy are being blurred so much these days with computer generated imagery that there is no way many people can even distinguish between them. If I were to let my children be exposed to such material, it would be in a situation where my wife or I would be there to give them context for what is happening and explain it to them. QUOTE]

Thats what ever generation says. I really wanna know about this so called seperation of fantasy and reality. I can understand how some people may censor their kids media intake on the grounds that it teaches bad morals and gloryfies certain qeustionable ideals but the whole spereate realities doesn't make sense to me. Whilst kids at 7 should not play gears of war they do have the cognitive ability to seperate fictional worlds.

What Kind of games would you want your kids to play? Here is my list

5.Banjo Kazooie

4.Sim City (creativity)

3.Tetris

2.Curious Village

1.Shadow Of The Collosus (when my kid likes that game any restrictions on his media are instantly lifted because he is obviosily ready to handle anything and has a basic appreciation of art.)

What do you think?

What Kind of games would you want your kids to play? Here is my list

5.Banjo Kazooie

4.Sim City (creativity)

3.Tetris

2.Curious Village

1.Shadow Of The Collosus (when my kid likes that game any restrictions on his media are instantly lifted because he is obviosily ready to handle anything and has a basic appreciation of art.)

What do you think?

peppersfan2

Good games but I dislike it when people claim that games like Ico and Shadow of the Collosus are art while other aren't. All games are art whether they are MGS or NFL BLitz. 

[QUOTE="peppersfan2"]

What Kind of games would you want your kids to play? Here is my list

5.Banjo Kazooie

4.Sim City (creativity)

3.Tetris

2.Curious Village

1.Shadow Of The Collosus (when my kid likes that game any restrictions on his media are instantly lifted because he is obviosily ready to handle anything and has a basic appreciation of art.)

What do you think?

Nifty_Shark

Good games but I dislike it when people claim that games like Ico and Shadow of the Collosus are art while other aren't. All games are art whether they are MGS or NFL BLitz.

I agree. Any game is art if it has creative force and thought behind it. I just meant that If a kid is playing a game that most children would consider boring and enjoys it I'm impressed.

. Ha can you imagine a kid playing bioshock and then commenting on free market philosophys? Atlas Shrugged would make for a good bedtime story.

No. A child that young is not ready to be exposed to that sort of material. Even though I personally was exposed to games like Doom at a young age, the barrier between reality and fantasy are being blurred so much these days with computer generated imagery that there is no way many people can even distinguish between them. If I were to let my children be exposed to such material, it would be in a situation where my wife or I would be there to give them context for what is happening and explain it to them.

Certain games are not for children. Childhood is already short enough, no point in shortening it by letting them loose their innocence really early. Looking back, I want to experience childhood innocence again, or at least, more of it.foxhound_fox

The kids who have trouble differentiating the difference are the ones that have emotional and/or mental problems. Further more what is innocence? Because basically the way your saying it as, its interchangable with ignorance. Lets face it, innocense is not innocense, its ignorance.

well it depands on the game.

Yes. I suppose not every child would be interested in SotC. Then again if I played it in front of a smaller child I'm sure would be interested in "killing the monsters" :PNifty_Shark

I would have been scared lol. I think kids need a sandbox game suitable for their age group without being too kid oriented with deeper themes underlying it. You know the thing I would look out for is the diversity of what my kid plays.

it might sound wierd but SOTC is kinda like drifting in a foggy ocean. That sort of ambient vibe was something I was really perceptive as a kid too thats why growing up I think I have devolped a sort of surrealistic creativity. I relly think video games were responisble for that devolpment. All of that time drifitng arround a virtual world for new lands to explore really influenced my creativity and I can't help but think that that emotional and artistic stimulation is nothing but good for a kid

I would let my kid play a violent game like Gears or Resident Evil on one condition. He has to write a 2 page essay on its artisitic merit its appeal to him and why he wants to play it. If he can give me a paper that meets the criteria I shall allow him to buy it. Once he turns 14 I don't care anymore.

peppersfan2

i think the media's portrayal of violent entertainment on kids is extremely overdone. I watched a lot of gory stuff and scary stuff before I was 10, and outside of having an attraction to that sort of entertainment and tolerance for gore, I am fine.

So long as a kid knows that it is wrong, I think it is OK. I always was aware that it was wrong, and I never reenacted anything I saw.

Cliche, but it all comes down to how good the parents are. There are no bad dogs/kids, only bad owners/parents lol

What Kind of games would you want your kids to play? Here is my list

5.Banjo Kazooie

4.Sim City (creativity)

3.Tetris

2.Curious Village

1.Shadow Of The Collosus (when my kid likes that game any restrictions on his media are instantly lifted because he is obviosily ready to handle anything and has a basic appreciation of art.)

What do you think?

peppersfan2

thoes seem to to be the nicest of the non violent nowadays.

Nope. Nor would I with almost any very violent game.

Not before 16, maybe 14 if he was extremely mature.

There are some shooters or mature games which aren't that violent. I guess it depends on the game. 

[QUOTE="peppersfan2"]

I would let my kid play a violent game like Gears or Resident Evil on one condition. He has to write a 2 page essay on its artisitic merit its appeal to him and why he wants to play it. If he can give me a paper that meets the criteria I shall allow him to buy it. Once he turns 14 I don't care anymore.

mrbojangles25

"Dear Parents, 

These games look like they are fun to play and the reviews have been rather good for them. However if you believe they are too violent for me I'll go back to playing Big Rigs."

See what I did there? You have to guilt them :lol:

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"][QUOTE="peppersfan2"]

I would let my kid play a violent game like Gears or Resident Evil on one condition. He has to write a 2 page essay on its artisitic merit its appeal to him and why he wants to play it. If he can give me a paper that meets the criteria I shall allow him to buy it. Once he turns 14 I don't care anymore.

Nifty_Shark

"Dear Parents,

These games look like they are fun to play and the reviews have been rather good for them. However if you believe they are too violent for me I'll go back to playing Big Rigs."

See what I did there? You have to guilt them :lol:

[QUOTE="peppersfan2"]

What Kind of games would you want your kids to play? Here is my list

5.Banjo Kazooie

4.Sim City (creativity)

3.Tetris

2.Curious Village

1.Shadow Of The Collosus (when my kid likes that game any restrictions on his media are instantly lifted because he is obviosily ready to handle anything and has a basic appreciation of art.)

What do you think?

cs45F

thoes seem to to be the nicest of the non violent nowadays.

I'd personally try to keep my kid away from games like Tetris and Space Invaders. You know, the games that never end, but instead only keep challenging you to waste even more time on it.

I want my kids to treat videogames like they treat movies. I want there to be a goal, I want it to not take too long to reach that goal, and then after the game/movie is over, they can put it away and get bacvk to more productive stuff.

Never-ending games are dangerous. Those are the kinds of games that require lots of repetition so that you can reach perfection. But you never will reach perfection, because the game doesn't end. So you waste countless hours trying to top your high score. But whatever your high score is, it's still just a number. If they're just gonna be repeating **** until they get great at it, I'd prefer them doing something productive like archery or playing the flute. 

"Dear Parents,

These games look like they are fun to play and the reviews have been rather good for them. However if you believe they are too violent for me I'll go back to playing Big Rigs."

See what I did there? You have to guilt them :lol:

If it was my money I know I would be reluctant to buy something considered bad by me or the gaming community (we are rather similar on gamespot when you think about it) but sometimes kids just  feel differently about games when they have not reached the "hardcore" sense yet. If it was his money then I probably would not say a word.

The thing is that it is subjective. I have a friend who bought the most recent Dynasty Warriors game (released earlier this year) and he loved it. This is a grown man who has what I would consider "gaming knowledge". I guess we shouldn't our views on others.

[QUOTE="cs45F"][QUOTE="peppersfan2"]

What Kind of games would you want your kids to play? Here is my list

5.Banjo Kazooie

4.Sim City (creativity)

3.Tetris

2.Curious Village

1.Shadow Of The Collosus (when my kid likes that game any restrictions on his media are instantly lifted because he is obviosily ready to handle anything and has a basic appreciation of art.)

What do you think?

MrGeezer

thoes seem to to be the nicest of the non violent nowadays.

I'd personally try to keep my kid away from games like Tetris and Space Invaders. You know, the games that never end, but instead only keep challenging you to waste even more time on it.

I want my kids to treat videogames like they treat movies. I want there to be a goal, I want it to not take too long to reach that goal, and then after the game/movie is over, they can put it away and get bacvk to more productive stuff.

Never-ending games are dangerous. Those are the kinds of games that require lots of repetition so that you can reach perfection. But you never will reach perfection, because the game doesn't end. So you waste countless hours trying to top your high score. But whatever your high score is, it's still just a number. If they're just gonna be repeating **** until they get great at it, I'd prefer them doing something productive like archery or playing the flute. 

[QUOTE="cs45F"][QUOTE="peppersfan2"]

What Kind of games would you want your kids to play? Here is my list

5.Banjo Kazooie

4.Sim City (creativity)

3.Tetris

2.Curious Village

1.Shadow Of The Collosus (when my kid likes that game any restrictions on his media are instantly lifted because he is obviosily ready to handle anything and has a basic appreciation of art.)

What do you think?

MrGeezer

thoes seem to to be the nicest of the non violent nowadays.

I'd personally try to keep my kid away from games like Tetris and Space Invaders. You know, the games that never end, but instead only keep challenging you to waste even more time on it.

I want my kids to treat videogames like they treat movies. I want there to be a goal, I want it to not take too long to reach that goal, and then after the game/movie is over, they can put it away and get bacvk to more productive stuff.

Never-ending games are dangerous. Those are the kinds of games that require lots of repetition so that you can reach perfection. But you never will reach perfection, because the game doesn't end. So you waste countless hours trying to top your high score. But whatever your high score is, it's still just a number. If they're just gonna be repeating **** until they get great at it, I'd prefer them doing something productive like archery or playing the flute.

I guess the best thing to do would be to make sure he doesn't go nuts about it. You know tetris is the kinda game I play for about 15 minutes as a diversion but if little johnny is up at 2 am trying to get those blocks to fall then maybe you gots a problem. I would tell my kids that tetris is a metaphor for the hamster wheel that is the corporate world thatt adults face and the reason he is playing it is so he realizes how futile everything he does is because eventually the blocks of life divorce debt health issues kids of his own ect. will eventually result in game over.

Like I said before the diversity of what your child plays is also important. I think that adventure based games increase abstract thought but thats just me and I'd love to hear some of your theroies on such topics as this. I think that you might be able to extend the same idea about tetris and space invaders to obbsessive compulsive games like turn based RPG's where the goal is to get 100000million points for no purpose other than to have it all. What do you thinK? I think in the end the biggest danger from obsessive playing of tetris is that the kid is wasting his time and that seems to be your sentiment.

Nope.

I won't be allowed to play M games until I get out of this house(so 18), my kid will have to suck it up and take it like I am right now.

He can watch me play though, it's no worse then movies or TV.