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.
Bully Scholarship Edition: What Parents Need to Know
6 Comments
Posted on March 13th, 2008 by
The first time the game came out, “Bully” caused a loud clamor of anti-gaming groups claiming it glorified and would cause bullying to increase in schools. The special edition that just came out on the Xbox360 is starting a similar furor.
The head of a teacher’s association in Nova Scotia is getting all riled up, and has written an opinion piece for her local paper that has started another storm about the game. She debated Jason Della Rocca, executive director of the International Game Developers Association, on CNC last Sunday and you can watch it here.
After watching all this and reading the inevitable backslash sloshing around the web I dug up the article I wrote when the original came out in October of 2006. From a parent’s perspective nothing’s changed except exactly who is shouting. Here’s the scoop.
more…
Review – Buzz Jr. Robo Jam with Family!
Posted on March 12th, 2008 by
I’ve written about Buzz here before, about how I think the creation of a quiz show game with special controller where the big red “push me” button glows invitingly, and about the PS2 remains a fine family bargain given the Eye Toy and Buzz concepts. Is Buzz Jr. more small-child friendly on the Wii? Yes. Moreso. Here’s why…
The Political Arena 3/11/08
Posted on March 11th, 2008 by
CrispyGamer.com (improving daily) is letting me switch between that GamerParenting column (see next week for another issue of that) and The Political Arena – where I get to talk politics, as it relates to gaming, without using newspaper reporters as my “go-between.” First issue we take a hard look at what the candidates have said they’d do about video games. Terrain the regulars here should find eerily familiar. . . First up, the Democrats!
Slate Slams D&D
Posted on March 11th, 2008 by
This is off-topic for this site- true, but most of us have some sort of D&D background. So I thought I’d upset everyone’s morning by linking to this. An overly sensationalistic article that uses the death of Gary Gygax to complain about this “morally reprehensible” game called D&D. The author isn’t a “think of the children/culture war” leftie or rightie – the writer is in fact a bigger geek and RPG fan than most of the geeks who are going to complain about this article. Well, the article is factually true from what I can see. But it does go VERY wrong in a few places. . . .
Review – Mario & Sonic at the Olympics (DS, Wii)
Posted on March 10th, 2008 by
You’ve got SEGA in my Nintendo! No you got Sonic in my Mario! Regardless, what you’ve actually got isn’t a very good game – we have much higher hopes for Sonic’s inclusion in Nintendo’s battle royale (with cheese), Super Smash Bros. Here’s my review at CommonSenseMedia.org – good for 6+ in terms of content and ability but only 2-stars because…. has there ever been a good Olympic game since Epyx’s Summer/Winter games back in the early 80’s? (Hint: No)
Mass Effect Misinformation
Posted on March 9th, 2008 by
By: Colleen Hannon (Momgamer)
Some pundits are spreading misinformation about the M-rated game Mass Effect. Let’s discuss what’s really in the game so you can make an informed decision.
Note: Yes, this article first appeared a few months ago at GamerDad.com. I’m making sure it has a home on this site.
XBOX Mom: I fear for my kids safety
Posted on March 8th, 2008 by
One thing I love about Colleen Hannon is her incredibly detailed MomGamer columns. They provide loads of details to any and all questions you have about a subject. Take her look at XBOX360 Parental Controls, for example, as well as the follow-up dealing with specifics based on a user question. If all parents who want to be involved while also allowing their kids access to XBOX Live would read those articles, there would be less for hysterical journalists to use to make peoples’ heads burst into flames.
Ask GamerDad 3/07/08
Posted on March 8th, 2008 by
WhatTheyPlay .com has posted the latest issue of “Ask GamerDad” – the column that answers questions and is written by GamerDad. Come on, you know you want to hear the questions and read the answers. Who are you to refuse? One question is about Grand Theft Auto and a 10-year old for cryin’ out loud! And the second? Two words my friend: “Maple” and “Story” – I’ve said too much already. Just click the link!
Animal Doctor – with Maggie!
Posted on March 7th, 2008 by
One day not long ago two packages arrived at my door. One was a new star in Ubisoft’s intriguing “Imagine” series and the other was part of the “Pals” series. Both were for DS. One was Imagine Animal Doctor – a game whose packaging looks more like edutainment than a a video game – and Pet Pals Animal Doctor from Majesco – a game that looks like a kids game. Which is better? I wondered. Since I have an aspiring veterinarian in the house, I asked her. more…
No Parents Allowed – Article
Posted on March 7th, 2008 by
WhatTheyPlay.com, or as I like to call them “GamerDad with Venture Capital” (that’s a compliment and a sign of approval) has been quietly putting up sensational articles about the GamerParent experience. Here’s the most recent one. An article where kids themselves tell you what they want to play. At GamerDad we might know what they play – this article tells us why!
Read the article here!
