Hi! My 14-year-old son just started at a new school and has become
very interested in computer games. I?ve looked around a bit, but I
don't have a good sense as to which ones I should discourage or even
forbid. So I guess my question has two parts: First, given that he's
interested in games that he's going to play with a bunch of school
friends (over the network, and at "game parties"), are there some I
should be particularly concerned about? Second, he's mentioned two
popular games in particular -- World of Warcraft and Prey -- are these
games I should be concerned about? I guess I should mention that he's
generally a good kid, and I'm not worried about him misbehaving in
general. At the same time, I want to make sure I'm being responsible.
Thanks.

Hi! Thanks for the question.

The ESRB provides ratings of game content so that you can determine if
these indeed are appropriate for your kids. Here are the ratings for
the games you mentioned and the themes found in the material that
maybe of concern to parents.

Prey:
ESRB Rating is M (Mature) - for people ages 17 and above.
ESRB Content Review: "Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial
Nudity, Strong Language"

Consumer Review  
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/Prey.html

------------------------
World of Warcraft:
ESRB Rating T (Teens) - for people ages 13 and over.
ESRB Content Review: "Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence"

Consumer Reviews:
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/World-Warcraft.html
http://www.mediafamily.org/kidscore/games_world_of_warcraft.shtml


--------------------------
Here are some good readings about video games from a parent's
perspective. It shows you what to look out for in the world of kids
and video games.

"7 Steps To Make Video Games Good For Your Kids"
http://nintendo.about.com/od/editorials/a/goodgaming.htm?terms=Parent+Tips%20video%20games

"Effects Of Video Game Playing On Children"
http://www.mediafamily.org/facts/facts_effect.shtml 

"The effects of video games on children: what parents need to know"
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0816/is_6_21/ai_n9772319

"Understanding Sex and Violence in the Game Industry: Part I"
http://nintendo.about.com/od/gamesforkidsparents/a/vilenceandgames.htm

 
---------------
ESRB Ratings Source: http://www.esrb.org/index-js.jsp 


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I hope this would help you in your research. Before rating this
answer, please ask for a clarification if you have a question or if
you would need further information.
                                                          
                              
Regards,                              
Easterangel-ga                              
Google Answers Researcher

Hi,
As a father and computer geek who is wary about personal security on
the internet and what my kids play, I would recommend World of
Warcraft as a good game.

Game synopes: You choose a character and you are in a 3D world with
1,000's of other characters (each being a real person somewhere on the
net). You do quests and gain experience points to become stronger and
earn credits (in game money) to buy clothes, items and weapons (in
game items). The quests do involve killing other monsters and human
type monstors but it is not a blood and gore game.

I play with my 4year old sitting on my lap and she loves to help and
explore the world. This is a safe game for teenagers. They can talk
and interact with other players but as long as he knows not to give
out any specific information (such as name, address, credit card
details etc) then he will be safe. Blizzard (the company that made
World of Warcraft) promote a friendly and pleasent environment for all
and monitor the games. I would recommend it to a teenager.

The problem with World of Warcraft, and other massively-multiplayer
online role playing games is not their content, but that they are high
addictive.  These games are incredibly immersive.  Make sure your son
limits his play time.  Do not let him sit and play for 10 hours at a
time, even on weekends.  It can create series social problems.

I say this as someone who has happily played this genre of games for over 10 years.

I am 29 years old and have enjoyed every generation of video games
since pong, so I feel I have a good foundation for a qualified opinion
as well as "a_friend".  This may be off topic, but I would say that
any game has the potential to be helpful and harmful, because it
depends on the individual.  If every kid reacted the same way to a
particular game, then there wouldn't be such a wide array of types of
games out on the market.
My advice is simply to ask him what game he prefers, because if he
wants to play a certain game then he will find a way (friend's place,
arcade, etc etc)., and simply learn as much as you can about the game
he picks so that you can talk to him about anything that concerns you
and how you want to raise your own son, rather than reading how some
critic or some rating guy says it's too harsh and really it isn't,
because to be honest with you...I had more anger issues dieing every
30 seconds on Super Mario Brothers, than role playing a character on
World of Warcraft (which I personally think is his best option).

Dear Sister
 you don't get worried if the Gaming do not affect his studies.
Encourage him in studying with this gaming chances. If he do better in
studies offer him gaming oppertunities. Then Games do not Affect him.
Try to give him love better. Spend more time with him. Teach him good
things and try to learn him the technology of the games and get hs
interest in Computers well.
If your son get addicted to game restrict him a Timetable for that.
Only those time allow him to play. Don't discourage him from any of
his interests if it is not harmful

is their realy a problem? every perent eants what is best for their
child, and i can understand where you might be worried. but only if he
looses track of his school work/hobbies (that are NOT gameing) should
you be worried. i dose not sould like he has done anything to worry
about. as long as he remains a good kid
;)
jimi