11 Choices Parents and Teens Will Love

Most teenagers know they want to play video games, but different families have different ideas about which games should be allowed in the home. Should we worry about violence in video games? Are video games a healthy choice for teenagers? How do you know which video game consoles are the best? To answer these questions, we’ve drawn on expert guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) to give you all the facts you need to approach video games with an open mind.

Our top recommendations for teen video games

The benefits of video games for teenagers

Yes, video games can be a positive influence and form of entertainment for children. Studies show that moderate video gaming can provide benefits to children’s brains. Some of the benefits of video games include teaching problem-solving skills, stimulating creativity, and developing important social skills. Thanks to the many cooperative games available online, teens can learn important leadership skills and how to communicate effectively to solve team problems.

There are also many educational video games that can inspire a love of learning and introduce children to new topics. Similar games microsoft flight simulator Can spark interest in aviation. Other games such as Turing test Can challenge adolescents’ problem-solving skills and make difficult problems in philosophy and technology more accessible.

But be aware that you do need to set boundaries around your child’s screen time, the types of games they play, the real-world expenses of certain game promotions, and the way your child interacts with strangers online.

For example, when playing games with voice communication options, make sure your child is prepared to deal with the real threat of cyberbullying. This is why some people who know video games discourage video games that have communication features that allow you to talk to other players on your team. As with anything, make sure there are open lines of communication between you and your children so they know they can come to you with any concerns they have about online interactions.

How to choose video games for teenagers

One of the most important things to consider when deciding which games are best for your family is content. It’s no secret that sometimes the media that young people enjoy, whether it’s video games or movies, can sometimes contain adult themes.

To help ensure that your children are only consuming age-appropriate content, the AAP recommends checking a game’s ESRB rating, discussing with your children the games they are playing, and making sure you only purchase games that align with family values. For example, if your family doesn’t play with toy guns, you should probably veto games with a lot of them, e.g. call of Duty or counter strike.

Other important factors to consider include your child’s interests, the type of video game console they own, and whether they are looking for a challenge or enjoy more leisurely gaming.

With all that in mind, here are some of our favorite video games, both brand new and classic, that we think teens and parents will love.

Stardew Valley

• Available for: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox
• ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
• Recommended age range: 13+

This cozy farming simulator lets players decorate and manage their own farm, raise adorable animals, and develop romantic relationships with non-player characters (NPCs) in a healthy way. Multiplayer options are available so parents, siblings and friends can also join in the fun. It has a captivating soundtrack and graphics, as well as the opportunity to be creative and entrepreneurial, making this game worth playing.

Genshin Impact

• Applicable: PC, PlayStation, iOS
• ESRB Rating: Teen
• Recommended age range: 15 and up

This open-world exploration game features an engaging storyline, beautiful graphics, and lovable characters. The story follows a traveler who searches for his missing twins in the fantasy world of Teyvat. But be aware that purchases can be made in-game, so make sure your kids set boundaries around real-world spending before playing.

ring of fire

• Applicable: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
• ESRB Rating: Mature 17+
• Recommended age range: 17+

very popular part dark souls This action RPG features tough combat in a grim, dark fantasy world. Players use medieval weapons and magic to defeat bosses and retrieve the mysterious Ring of Elden. There is some animated gore, so this one is best suited for older teens, as the rating indicates, but you can turn this off in the settings.

NBA 2K25

• Published September 4
• Applicable: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch
• ESRB Rating: E
• Recommended age range: 10 years and up

Basketball fans will want to jump in as soon as this game is released because it may very well be the only one NBA 2K This game features not one, but two LeBrons. That’s because LeBron James plays on the same team as his son, LeBron “Bronny” James Jr. Any teenager who has been following the NBA all season long will want to experience this game for themselves – players can choose their favorite player, such as LeBron, to play with the rest of the Lakers, or they can form their own team, pick and choose Choose your favorite player.

rocket league

• Applicable: PlayStation, PC, Xbox, Switch
• ESRB Rating: E
• Recommended age range: 10 years and up

This online competitive sports game combines football and racing. First, players customize their cars, then try to score as many goals as possible with giant soccer balls (yes, using their rocket-powered cars) in this 2v2 match. While teammates can comment on each other, the gaming culture is generally quite positive, making it a great option for young people who want to compete but still remain friendly.

minecraft

• Applicable: PlayStation, PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS
• ESRB Rating: E ​​10+
• Recommended age: 10+

In other words, this “sandbox” game lets players decide what they want to play rather than being dragged into a specific storyline, and it’s not just for little kids. There are no goals to achieve, creating a more low-key, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for kids who just want to express their creativity. In creative mode, players use cubes (representing materials such as dirt, stone, and tree trunks) to build almost anything they want.

In survival mode, players must collect natural resources and may take damage from falls, zombies, or hunger. Due to the high level of creative freedom, the game appeals to a wide age range. Additionally, teens can play the game with friends on co-op servers, making it a healthier option for socializing online.

ghost of tsushima

• Applicable: PC, PlayStation
• ESRB Rating: Mature 17+
• Recommended age: 17+

If your older children are interested in history, they might want to consider this action RPG (role playing game) set in 13th century Japan. With stunning graphics and mechanically difficult combat, this story of samurai fighting back against the Mongol invaders is truly engrossing. Note that there is some animated gore, but there is an option in the game’s display settings to turn off the gore.

valheim

• Applies to: PC, iOS
• ESRB Rating: Not applicable
• Recommended age: 16+

Perfect for fans of survival games, valheim Let players live among the Vikings in one of several worlds: forests, swamps, mountains and many other options. Viking characters must gather supplies – players can farm, mine or gather to achieve this, which may help teens feel a sense of accomplishment from committing to and completing a challenging task.

They must also build tools and shelters to repel invading forces and protect their homes in order to survive. Norse mythology adds another interesting element to the game. More polished graphics, intense combat, and free choice of gameplay make this game feel a bit like a more mature game minecraft. Additionally, players have health and stamina bars that can be consumed and replenished, bringing real stakes to the game.

fields of mystria

• Applicable to: Computer
• ESRB Rating: Not applicable
• Recommended age: 13+

If your kids aren’t too interested in action-packed games, they might want to try comfort games, which is what they’ll do in fields of mystria. This low-stakes game combines farming, decorating your home, and romance with NPCs. It just launched in “early access” mode in August, and although it’s still in development, it’s already very popular. Teenagers who don’t want the stress of survival in a game or just need to relax after studying can enjoy the enchanting world of Mystria.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

• Applies to: Nintendo Switch
• ESRB Rating: E ​​10+
• Recommended age: 10+

This is the sequel to the smash hit The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is another beautifully animated open world exploration game. As with other Zelda games, you can expect challenging puzzles, stunning scenery, and an engaging storyline. Once again on a mission to find Princess Zelda, Link explores Hyrule in two environments: a series of floating islands and an underground kingdom. Playing as Link, teens must solve puzzles, find treasure, build their own vehicles, and fight off enemies.

Overcooked!

• Available on: PC, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox
• ESRB Rating: E
• Recommended age: 10+

This cooperative multiplayer game is a great opportunity to bond with your children. You play as two chefs trying to fulfill as many orders as possible – oh, and you’re timed, too. Players not only have to prepare ingredients, cook, and serve, but they also have to clean up. While the concept is simple, the teamwork required to win is anything but. The layout of the kitchen changes with each difficulty level – on one level, for example, the kitchen is on an iceberg – adding to the fun.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Edition

• Applicable to: switch
• ESRB Rating: E
• Recommended age: 10+

In this game, which incorporates all characters from the Mario universe (including Princess Peach, Bowser, etc.), players drive karts on the track. Like other Mario games, players can improve their performance through power-ups, and there are four different difficulty levels.

Although the general consensus is that Mario Kart An entertaining game for all ages, this game is especially suitable for teenagers as it provides an easy way to spend time with the whole family. My brother is eight years older than me, so it’s hard to find activities that appeal to both of us. But we still fondly remember the memories of competing against each other in this relaxing and exciting competition.

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