New Video Games from Activision
A few weeks back Activision called and they asked if I would like to have a sneak peek of some of the fabulous video games for girls that would be hitting the market for Christmas. (Ok, really it was an email.)
I said yes.
So Matthew and I went to Dallas one morning while all of the other kids were in school. We met some of the amazing faces behind Activision.
Matthew played and I listened to facts. Lots of facts.
Let me say, my boys play video games. And I am ok with that.
As long as chores are done, homework is done, they are playing nicely and it is a kid-friendly game, I am fine with my children playing video games. Let me tell you why.
- When they play games, like the Wii for example, I watch them teach each other how to play and maneuver certain levels of this Star Wars Lego adventure. These are life skills.
- I see them feel an accomplishment when they achieve a level.
- Their hand and eye coordination is amazing.
- They display perseverance.
- They use logic to skillfully go from one level to the next.
- When they are not playing a video game, they spend time together recreating scenes from the game and pretending to be Indiana Jones Lego Man. They are so creative.
Video Game Facts
- A 2011 study shows children who play video games are more creative.
- Children spend 80% of their time failing the games they play. Playing video games helps build resilience.
- Video games help improve fundamental abilities to reason and problem solve.
- Children build trust with the friends they play video games with.
- Girls who play video games with a parent, generally have better behavior.
- 45% of children ages 8-15 own a Nintendo DS
- Over 30% of children play video games online
- Over 30% of children play video games on an itouch
Activision sent me home with a bag full of video games. Guess what my nieces are getting for Christmas?
Video Game Resources
- Check out game ratings at www.esrb.org.
- Read game reviews before your children play them at www.commonsensemedia.com.
Do you still have Christmas shopping to do? You might want to check out these video games. Here are links to the game preview and screen shots: Lalaloopsy, Squinkies 2, Moshi Monsters, Zoobles, and Zhu Zhu Babies.
Tell me, do your kids play video games? Do you have time limits and boundaries? Are there restrictions? Let’s share our ideas.
We play wii bowling together and sports as a family. In fact it is only one of the video games we own. It is an adventure we do as a family. We don’t use it as a babysitter. We agree how long we will play before going downstairs. As my children get older, I am sure that the rules will have to change. Thanks for the informative post.
I was wondering how you get offered to test or try things like this? It sounds like something fun to do.
Hi Cristi-
I network with other bloggers, PR firms and I am a member of communities like Business 2 Blogger. Sometimes companies just email me. Sometimes they find out about my site from other bloggers. Sometimes companies see something I have written and reach out.
If you are a blogger and interested in working with brands, shoot me an email and I can give you some suggestions. crystalandcomp(at)yahoo(dot)com