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.
Buzz Jungle Party – With Children
1 Comment
Posted on June 22nd, 2008 by
It was Sunday night and I was knee deep in some Battlefield Bad Company when I heard monkey shines overhead. . . I’ve written a bit about Buzz RoboJam and the Buzz quiz show games in this space before, and my family still loves them. It’s a PS2 series that uses its own controllers. The controllers light up and consist of colored buttons and a big glowing red one at the top. more…
Ask GamerDad 6/20/08
Posted on June 20th, 2008 by
This article was originally intended for Father’s Day . . . but they got swamped over at WhatTheyPlay and I can’t complain, given that it was my Father’s Day feature that probably caused that. Here’s that special edition: A ONE question Ask GamerDad but don’t worry . . . it is probably the most important question a gamer dad, or mom, should think about.
The Media War
Posted on June 20th, 2008 by
Is Media Controversy a tale as old as time? The war against violent media is not new. Learn the history of media controversy, and take a sobering look at what’s in store for gamers down the road.
more…
Rock Band – “Fell in Love with the Drummer”
Posted on June 19th, 2008 by
Oh I sincerely miss those heavy metal bands
I used to go see on the landing in the summer
She fell in love with the drummer
She fell in love with the drummer
She fell in love – Wilco
More Mass Effect DRM Madness
Posted on June 19th, 2008 by
Thought it was over? Think again! I remember getting my first personal copy of Mark of the Unicorn’s Performer software in 1986 at the dawn of the MIDI revolution. The software (based on 3.5″ disks, of course) had an interesting ‘authorization’ system that would copy a hidden file to your hard disk that would allow you to run the program. Your license came with two ‘authorizations’, which meant you could either use the second to run another copy of the program or as a backup. If you got a new computer or larger hard disk (this was the days of 20-40MB storage), you would simply run the program to de-authorize your hard disk, then when you were done with whatever upgrades you were doing you would re-authorize again. For many years I used that system without a problem. My understanding was that was pretty much how Mass Effect was supposed to work. My understanding was wrong.
The Sports Capital of the Universe
Posted on June 18th, 2008 by
Well, that is what it feels like as a Boston fan this morning, anyway. Last fall the Red Sox won the World Series. Then the Patriots had an undefeated season and made it to the Super Bowl yet again. Then both the Bruins and Celtics made the playoffs. And last night, the Celtics brought home a record 17th championship with an absolute thrashing of Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.
GamerParenting: Father’s Day ’08
Posted on June 15th, 2008 by
Father’s Day! A day to celebrate being a dad and to also, hopefully, be celebrated for the same. Too often this day means that mom gets to cook breakfast — like usual — and the kids hand dad a tie that he pretends to like. That’s the old way. Today being a grown-up does not mean putting aside childish things; being a dad means embracing the child within and using it to bond with and pal around with your kids. Even if you’re a non-gaming spoilsport — or your dad is — Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to bond by beating the digital crap out of each other. Read the rest!
Father’s Day Stories
Posted on June 14th, 2008 by
WhatTheyPlay has my Father’s Day Stories article up and running. Thanks so much to the GamerDads who participated! We used a bunch of stories from our readers – including yours truly – and I also want to thank TONY HAWK for chiming in with a non-skate boarding story of his favorite games. Also, coming soon, a Father’s Day Ask GamerDad and a Father’s Day game list at CrispyGamer.com!
Thinking of Russert
Posted on June 14th, 2008 by
Tim Russert died, and I was shaken to my core. I thought it was odd I felt so affected, mainly because I’m not a fan of Russert’s work and didn’t watch his show. I never understood why anyone considered him anything less than the reigning softball champion and “Meet the Press” to me, usually meant, “Watch the Press Listen to the Spin.” I was also bothered by a lot of the pettiness he brought to the Clinton/Obama battle of late. So, why should I care, beyond normal human compassion, that the man died? more…
Retro: GamerDad Family #2
Posted on June 14th, 2008 by
In honor of Father’s Day: The Day I became a Father.
What follows a dark and stormy night eight years ago? Sunshine.
It was a dark and stormy night. Nine months had passed in a blur and yet, somehow, at the same time they crept by like a snail on Quaaludes. Impossibly fast – the baby can’t come now! And also . . . the longest nine months of my life. How was this possible? Do babies warp the space time continuum? more…
