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.
President’s Day ’08
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Posted on February 18th, 2008 by
As GamerDad I often comment on politics but presidential candidates almost never get mentioned. The reason is simple, video game violence and its effect on children is the only middle ground left. Anti-video game zealots on the Left and proponents of the so-called “Nanny State”, stand side by side with Republicans concerned about evil and filth in our culture. The so-called “culture warrior.” It’s the only issue the “think of the children” set (of which I’m arguable a part) on both sides of the aisle completely agree on. “Media violence = Bad”, truly a bipartisan issue. That’s how we get things like Hillary Clinton standing in a photo op with the likes of Rick Santorum. Well, guess what? Barak Obama is something different.
Jones-ing for Indy … again!
Posted on February 15th, 2008 by
In case you haven’t heard, Indiana Jones returns to the big screen this May with Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Are you excited? I sure am!
Ask GamerDad? 2/15/08
Posted on February 15th, 2008 by
This didn’t quite come out the way I planned. It was all very last minute really. I had surgery last week, so I didn’t have time to tackle any of the questions I normally would – no time for research, see. Then Linda phoned from work and inspired this whole thing that begins by wrapping up that terrible event (I will stop talking about it one day) and ends with me recommending WiiFit and exergaming. It’s also a Valentine’s Day issue. So click here to read Ask GamerDad at WhatTheyPlay.com!
First Impressions: Lost Odyssey
Posted on February 14th, 2008 by
Rated: T for Teen
Time Played: about 4 hours out of an estimated 40+ hours to finish
Lost Odyssey is a Japanese RPG game that was released for the Xbox360. It’s published by Mistwalker, who brought us last year’s Blue Dragon. Here’s a few notes from this first part of the game.
more…
What They Press Release
Posted on February 14th, 2008 by
I missed this last week but apparently WhatTheyPlay likes me more than I thought. It’s not enough that they’ve hired me to do Ask GamerDad (see below) but they also sent out (to every news outlet they can) the following – flattering – press release.
GamerParenting: Games of the Year
Posted on February 14th, 2008 by
Crispygamer.com is a brand new site. It’s the result of what happens when you give an industry vet editor the chance to “do it right” – I mean look at the front page. The assembled team is awesome and the concept of never accepting videogame advertising is admirable. But right now, currently, the gulf between what this site could be, will be, and is — is vast. But hey, that’s why they called it a Beta. They finally published the first issue of “GamerParenting” – my new biweekly column – and it just happens to be the handy “Best Family Gaming Awards” article you’ve been waiting for. Here’s the article!
Ask GamerDad #2
Posted on February 14th, 2008 by
Missed this because of my procedure but it’s still a solid installment with a couple good questions. WhatTheyPlay.com has been wonderful in promoting this column, me, and most importantly, what they bring to this debate. Let’s give them a bump and visit the column – maybe ask a neighbor or similar non-gamer for a few questions! Click Here
Happy Valentine’s Day! Have you hugged your companion cube today?
Posted on February 13th, 2008 by
Valentine’s Day is when you let the people you care about know that you really appreciate them (shouldn’t that be everyday?). One way to show appreciation is to give gifts. Well my Valentine’s Day gift to all of you readers is a fun blog to read. It’s a lot less expensive than flowers and much less calories than chocolate, too.
Update!
Posted on February 11th, 2008 by
Okay, as I said the procedure went well and the bandage came off today – which means I can finally shower (Linda’s kinda happy about that part) and it means I’ll be getting back to work tomorrow, which means more posts here at GamingWithChildren – it also means more proof-reading. Anyway, Henry had a wonderful birthday. Expect the full story before Wednesday and thanks for all the kind wishes, emails, and prayers. We’re fine, hale and healthy over here at the Fortress of Familitude.
I was strolling through Furu Furu Park one day…
Posted on February 8th, 2008 by
Furu Furu Park is a collection of mini-games on the Wii. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. “Like the Wii NEEDS yet another collection of mini-games.” Well there’s two things about Furu Furu Park that make it stand out. One, most of the mini-games are based on classic arcade Taito titles, which give it some familiar charm. The other reason why Furu Furu Park is special is that it’s only 20 bucks. For the price, it’s pretty enjoyable. It’s certainly better than the Nintendo DS game that Furu Furu Park is based on. There was a collection of Taito mini-games on the DS called Turn it Around that used the touch screen like a ‘dial’ you turned around with the stylus. But in Furu Furu Park, you use the Wii remote in different ways to play the games. So here’s a rundown on all the games on Furu Furu Park.
