Welcome to GamerDad: Gaming with Children. My name is Andrew S. Bub - the GamerDad - and I've been writing about videogames, movies, and children for over 15 years now. After working as a magazine journalist, I switched gears to write about how media violence affects children, educating parents about them, and working closely with magazines, newspapers, major retailers and even politicians. GamerDad is an internationally recognized expert in this field. Games, movies and media are fun, kids and families love them, they aren't going away. So join me in cutting through the hype and lets have a real conversation about the things that matter: Video Games, Violent Media, and their supposed effect on children and families.
Welcome to GamerDad: Gaming with Children. My name is Andrew S. Bub - the GamerDad - and I've been writing about videogames, movies, and children for over 15 years now. After working as a magazine journalist, I switched gears to write about how media violence affects children, educating parents about them, and working closely with magazines, newspapers, major retailers and even politicians. GamerDad is an internationally recognized expert in this field. Games, movies and media are fun, kids and families love them, they aren't going away. So join me in cutting through the hype and lets have a real conversation about the things that matter: Video Games, Violent Media, and their supposed effect on children and families.
Wild Things Are?
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Posted on March 25th, 2009 by
When I first hear that Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are – which is a book that somehow means freedom to me, yet barely has any plot – was being made into a film, I snorted. When I heard noted weird arty director Spike Jonze was directing, I was more impressed. Now I’ve seen the trailer and poster and . . . I can’t wait to see this. more…
Riddle me this, GamerDad – Game Choice
Posted on March 25th, 2009 by
Cn u mk btr logo?
Cn u mk btr logo?
About 40% of the questions answered at my Ask GamerDad column come through this website. Some of them are too “aimed at me” for me to use. So, Riddle me this, GamerDad – a tale of two games!
more…
GamerDad, the PTA & ESRB II
Posted on March 24th, 2009 by
In April of 2008 GamerDad (me) teamed up with President of the National Parent Teacher Association Jan Domme (PTA)and the President of the Entertainment Software Ratings Board Patricia Vance (ESRB) to produce a booklet, a couple web segments (with an ultra cheesy host), and a “webinar.” The Booklet is linked to the right. Here’s the second segment (I’m on after the ladies)! more…
Game Review: Marble Saga: Kororinpa (Wii)
Posted on March 24th, 2009 by
Have you ever played with one of those wooden marble maze games where you have to tilt it around to roll the ball to the goal? The Nintendo Wii certainly has its share of titles that simulate that classic game, using the Wii remote to tilt the environment around. Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz, Dewey’s Adventure…but the best and most fun example of this style of game was a little-known early Wii title called Korornipa: Marble Mania. Now you can play the sequel, Marble Saga: Kororinpa, on the Wii.
Deadly Creatures
Posted on March 23rd, 2009 by
When this one scuttled it’s way to my mail box I smiled. Like a boy I quicky ran to Linda. “Gross!” squealed, revealing her inner 3rd grader. I mean come on, this should be a top seller! It lets you portray and hunt as a scorpion and a tarantula! And it’s not edutainment! (<- more on that later). It’s also got a cool double narrative. As you perform your predatory goals, two crotchety old men (Billy Bob Thornton and Dennis Hopper no less) and their hard luck life scrabbling for gold among the “Deadly Creatures.” Man, when I was in 3rd grade I would have literally fainted and then fainted again. Wait! I’d think,”they’re making games out of my dreams?” Yep, too bad they rated it T-Teen.
GamerDad, the PTA and the ESRB I
Posted on March 23rd, 2009 by
In April of 2008 GamerDad (me) teamed up with President of the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), the President of the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) to produce a booklet, a couple web segments (with an ultra cheesy host), and a “webinar.” The Booklet is linked to the right. Here’s the first segment! more…
This Week in Games: March 22 – 28
Posted on March 22nd, 2009 by
Looking at retail sales advertisements this week you would get the impression there is only one gaming being released this week: Pokemon Platinum. And while that will likely sell as much as every other game coming out this week combined, there are several other new releases, including a new Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles for the Wii and DS, a shovelware-looking Monsters & Aliens for the upcoming shovelware movie, and some random decent looking action games … Check out the list! more…
Videogames Preparing Children for Apocalypse?
Posted on March 22nd, 2009 by
I’m slow to find things on the Internet so this just crossed my radar screen. Bless The Onion, they’re really on to something here. I also believe that the younger generation is probably the most prepared for an alien or zombie invasion as any generation in history. So long as there’s a reset button. Or in other words: “Playing video games, all day, alone and friendless is simply the best way that we have to prepare our children for a life of solitude in a barren wasteland…” Watch the video.
Game Review: Bolt (Wii)
Posted on March 21st, 2009 by
Rather than following the plot of the computer animated movie, the Wii version of the Bolt video game is all about the fictional TV show. The TV Bolt fan hamster has just hunkered down on the couch with a hamster ball full of popcorn, ready for a DVD marathon of the Bolt series. Play as super spy Penny and her super dog Bolt as they foil evil in 25 action packed missions.
Game Review: Ultimate Band (Wii)
Posted on March 21st, 2009 by
So your family wants a game with all the fun and music of Guitar Hero or Rock Band, but you can’t afford the high price tag or don’t have enough room in the house for all those instrument controllers. Ultimate Band on the Wii only requires the remote and nunchuck to play guitars and drums. But will it rock your world without rocking your budget? Read on to find out:
