Massively Speaking http://massively.joystiq.com This is the Massively podcast http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Massively SpeakingJoystiqMassively Speaking<![CDATA[MMO Family: The state of the game (at school)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/mmo-family-the-state-of-the-game-at-school/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/mmo-family-the-state-of-the-game-at-school/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/mmo-family-the-state-of-the-game-at-school/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

laptop learning
When you think of kids and video games, the question that always comes up is this: What are they getting out of playing them? Usually, MMOs, even MMOs aimed at kids, are big on fun but light on learning. So it was refreshing to see teacher Ben Bertoli launch a Kickstarter project to promote development of his personal project ClassRealm into what could be a potentially valuable tool in the classroom.

So why haven't we seen more educational MMOs, and why has there been a gap when it comes to technology at home vs. at school? In this week's MMO Family, we'll look a few issues with gaming and learning.

Continue reading MMO Family: The state of the game (at school)

MassivelyMMO Family: The state of the game (at school) originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-bertolicasualchildrenchildrens-mmosclassrealmfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedibookskaren-bryankid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familyopinionschools-and-gamingschools-and-technologyteachingwhere-in-the-world-is-carmen-sandiegoWed, 16 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: How helpful are those ESRB ratings?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/mmo-family-how-helpful-are-those-esrb-ratings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/mmo-family-how-helpful-are-those-esrb-ratings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/mmo-family-how-helpful-are-those-esrb-ratings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

ESRB Rating
Quick, what's the ESRB rating symbol of your favorite MMO of choice? And if you know that, what are the content descriptors that account for your game's rating? If you got them right, bravo! According to the ESRB's official poll, 85% of parents with children who play video games are aware of the ratings system. For those not familiar, here's the deal: The Entertainment Software Rating Board began in 1994 with the goal of providing a standard set of ratings and descriptors to help adults choose appropriate games for children.

But the real question is, are ESRB ratings accurate when it comes to MMOs? The poll also claims that 65% of parents regularly check a game's rating before making a purchase, but are those ratings as helpful when choosing an MMO for your children? Read on for a look at why the E, T, and AO symbols might actually deserve an F.

Continue reading MMO Family: How helpful are those ESRB ratings?

MassivelyMMO Family: How helpful are those ESRB ratings? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmosesrbesrb-ratingseveeverquest-iieverquestiifamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familyopinionwizard101wowWed, 02 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Mind your massively multiplayer manners revisited]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/mmo-family-mind-your-massively-multiplayer-manners-revisited/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/mmo-family-mind-your-massively-multiplayer-manners-revisited/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/mmo-family-mind-your-massively-multiplayer-manners-revisited/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

south park
In this week's MMO Family column, I want to dig deeper into something that came up as a result of the last edition, and that's the perception of younger gamers as generally being too immature, being too flighty, and lacking the social skills to be fun groupmates and guildmates in our MMOs. There were some great points all around, with some arguing that kids aren't good guildmates because of their age and others even arguing that some kids are more mature than adults.

Let's look at things a little differently this week. Suppose you are guilded or grouped with your son/daughter/little brother/niece/nephew/best friend's kid/etc. You can't blow him off because of your relationship to him or her, so what do you do to make sure he or she isn't that kid who drives everyone crazy in-game? I'm revisiting one of Lisa Poisso's past articles to see what rules of age etiquette we can come up with in this crazy age of gaming.

Continue reading MMO Family: Mind your massively multiplayer manners revisited

MassivelyMMO Family: Mind your massively multiplayer manners revisited originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmosfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-etiquettemmo-familymmo-mannersopinionpolite-gamersWed, 18 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Do kids belong in guilds?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/mmo-family-do-kids-belong-in-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/mmo-family-do-kids-belong-in-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/mmo-family-do-kids-belong-in-guilds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Hall in EQII
In my regular columns at Massively, I enjoy taking a look at various topics surrounding family-friendly MMOs and common issues in guild management. So it seemed natural to take the two subjects and combine them for this week's MMO Family. Gamers are growing older, and we're seeing an increasing presence of younger players, even in the more serious "adult" games like Lord of the Rings Online and EverQuest II. For those who play MMOs with their children, it might seem reasonable to seek a guild tag for them, but that might not sit well with your guild peers.

Should kids be allowed in guilds? Are there any benefits to sharing a tag with your children, or are they better off staying unguilded?

Continue reading MMO Family: Do kids belong in guilds?

MassivelyMMO Family: Do kids belong in guilds? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicecasualchildrenchildrens-mmosfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-leadershipguild-managementguildskaren-bryankid-friendlykidskids-gamesleadershipmmo-familyopinionWed, 04 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Is free-to-play bad for kid-friendly MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/mmo-family-is-free-to-play-bad-for-kid-friendly-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/mmo-family-is-free-to-play-bad-for-kid-friendly-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/mmo-family-is-free-to-play-bad-for-kid-friendly-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Super Hero Squad Online
If you've ever gone shopping with kids, you know how much of a nightmare-inducing proposition it can be. Everywhere from toy stores to department stores to seemingly innocuous grocery stores, there's a battle raging between parents and their children, which usually ends with tears, grey hairs, and the infamous word, "Pleeeeeease??" (Pleeeeeease should actually have its own entry in the Oxford Dictionary because it has a completely different meaning from its polite cousin, "please").

The only thing that helps parents get through it is the knowledge that they get a respite once they get home. Not so anymore, though, because there's a second front that's opened, and the new battleground is taking place on our computer screens. Those high-pitched appeals that echo throughout the store aisles are now filling our family rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms. And while many people are singing the praises of the free-to-play model in MMO games, it's actually the biggest contributor to the begging-battles at home. Let's take a look at why free-to-play and kids MMOs are not a match made in heaven.

Continue reading MMO Family: Is free-to-play bad for kid-friendly MMOs?

MassivelyMMO Family: Is free-to-play bad for kid-friendly MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmosfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedfree-to-playjesse-schellkaren-bryankid-friendlykidskids-gameslead-genmicrotransactionsmmo-familyopinionWed, 21 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Kid-friendly MMO roundup, part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/mmo-family-kid-friendly-mmo-roundup-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/mmo-family-kid-friendly-mmo-roundup-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/mmo-family-kid-friendly-mmo-roundup-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Little space heroes
With all of the buzz centered around "grown-up" MMO titles like Star Wars: The Old Republic and Guild Wars 2, it's easy for the kid-friendly games to get lost in the shuffle. There may not be as many kid titles on the horizon, but for the games that are currently out there, there's been an amazing amount of activity going on in these virtual worlds.

I decided to take a peek at some of my (and the kids') favorites, along with a few games that we've done first impressions on, to see what they've been up to lately. Since there are too many great kid-friendly MMOs out there to fit into one column, this will be the first of what will probably be many follow-up entries covering other games, so if you don't see your favorite family-friendly game here, fear not!

Continue reading MMO Family: Kid-friendly MMO roundup, part 1

MassivelyMMO Family: Kid-friendly MMO roundup, part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazing-societybrowserbrowser-basedcasualchildrenchildrenschildrens-mmosclone-warsclone-wars-adventurescwaf2pfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedfree-to-playgazillionkaren-bryankidkid-friendlykidskids-gameskids-mmokids-mmoslittle-space-heroeslobbylshmarvelminigamemmo-familyopinionsci-fantasysci-fishsosoesony-online-entertainmentstar-warssuper-hero-squadsuper-hero-squad-onlinesuperherotcgthe-amazing-societytrading-card-gamewebkinzWed, 07 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: What kids MMOs can learn from markers, Jackpot, and Chutes and Ladders]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/mmo-family-what-kids-mmos-can-learn-from-markers-jackpot-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/mmo-family-what-kids-mmos-can-learn-from-markers-jackpot-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/mmo-family-what-kids-mmos-can-learn-from-markers-jackpot-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Markers
Play is important. Whether you're a kid or a grown-up, play has an important role in our lives, and video games are taking an increasingly large percentage of our playtime these days. But for kids' play in particular, there's always a question about the quality of video game time and whether or not it's actually just a waste of time.

Kid-friendly MMOs are a relatively new segment of the MMO industry, but it often feels like they're just grown-up MMOs with kid-friendly graphics. Sometimes, the games are even stripped of the grown-up features in an attempt to make them easier, but that often results in a less than compelling game. Here's a quest; do it. Here's a creature; zap it. Here's a pet; hug it. Here are some clothes and decorative items; buy them. I may sound a bit jaded, but that's only because I think kid-friendly MMOs can be so much better than they currently are.

To do that, we have to step back and examine how kids play, and studios must concentrate game design around that. In this week's MMO Family, I'll be looking at three areas of kids' play and exploring why games should look to Magic Markers, Jackpot, and Chutes and Ladders for inspiration.

Continue reading MMO Family: What kids MMOs can learn from markers, Jackpot, and Chutes and Ladders

MassivelyMMO Family: What kids MMOs can learn from markers, Jackpot, and Chutes and Ladders originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmoschutes-and-laddersfamilyfamily-friendlyfamily-friendly-mmosfeaturedfree-realmsjackpotkaren-bryankid-friendlykidskids-gameskids-mmosmagic-markersminecraftmmo-and-imaginationmmo-familyopinionWed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Why safe chat isn't so safe (and why that's OK)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/mmo-family-why-safe-chat-isnt-so-safe-and-why-thats-ok/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/mmo-family-why-safe-chat-isnt-so-safe-and-why-thats-ok/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/mmo-family-why-safe-chat-isnt-so-safe-and-why-thats-ok/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toontown
One of the toughest issues that game developers have to treat when it comes to kid-friendly MMOs is chat. I touched on this in a past column, but it's worth further discussion. If you're making a game where lots of players are interacting and doing stuff together, you need to allow them to communicate, otherwise you're pretty much making a single-player game with the other players as background scenery.

On the other hand, when it comes to kids MMOs, having open communication means other players can use it to harass each other. Worse is the scenario of the deranged adult abusing it to exploit young people. As a result, virtually every kid-friendly MMO has some sort of filter in place that restricts what players can say to each other. But are these chat filters really that effective? Are kids better off without them? Let's take a look in today's MMO Family.

Continue reading MMO Family: Why safe chat isn't so safe (and why that's OK)

MassivelyMMO Family: Why safe chat isn't so safe (and why that's OK) originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abuseblacklistschatchat-filtersdisneyfeaturedfilterfree-realmshercworldi+want+to+stick+my+long+neck+giraffeiwanttostickmylongneckgiraffekaren-bryankid+codeskidcodesmmo-familysafe-chatsecret-friendstrangerstoontownwhitelistswizard101Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Four ways to improve kid-friendly MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/mmo-family-four-ways-to-improve-kid-friendly-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/mmo-family-four-ways-to-improve-kid-friendly-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/mmo-family-four-ways-to-improve-kid-friendly-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Minecraft flame field
Right now, there's a small war going on in our house. It's winter, we're all cooped up inside, and we're interested in different games. What's particularly interesting is that my kids will tolerate most of the games I play and join in, except for one: Star Wars: The Old Republic. They aren't remotely interested in it, and any time I fire it up, they push back by demanding their favorite game, which is Minecraft.

It got me thinking about why kids would prefer a 16-bit, block-shaped world to a glitzy, voiced-over, multi-million dollar title. Adult gamers love to hash out why they love one game over another, but what makes games appealing from a kid's perspective? Furthermore, we often see differences in kid-friendly MMOs and their features compared to games for grown ups, but can those features be improved?

Continue reading MMO Family: Four ways to improve kid-friendly MMOs

MassivelyMMO Family: Four ways to improve kid-friendly MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarechatchat-filterscollectible-petseaElectronic-Artsfeaturedgated-contentintrinsic-funkaren-bryankid-friendlykid-friendly-mmosminecraftminipetsmmo-familymojangpetpetsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorvanity-petszone-wallsWed, 25 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Games of chance vs. MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/mmo-family-games-of-chance-vs-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/mmo-family-games-of-chance-vs-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/mmo-family-games-of-chance-vs-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Sorry!
From childhood on, I've always been a gamer. But I grew up when computers were just emerging as something that didn't just belong in the bowels of the Defense Department. My games were primarily of the board game variety, with a smattering of classic card games, and my exposure to video games didn't begin until later on.

Today, I see kids being raised on video games, and I see it as a good thing. "But board games are the good games," you might protest, and while they're still relevant today and I'm glad to see the recent revival in family board game night, a good portion of board games do not compare to what video games offer to children. This edition of MMO Family explains why!

Continue reading MMO Family: Games of chance vs. MMOs

MassivelyMMO Family: Games of chance vs. MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameschancechance-basedfamilyfamily-gamingfeaturedfree-realmskaren-bryankidskids-mmosmmo-familyparcheesipinochlerulessoeSony-Online-EntertainmentsorryWed, 11 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: LEGO Universe, autism, and heartbreak]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/mmo-family-lego-universe-autism-and-heartbreak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/mmo-family-lego-universe-autism-and-heartbreak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/mmo-family-lego-universe-autism-and-heartbreak/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Lego Universe
Often when the topic of video games comes up, it's followed by comments about the negatives, such as violence, antisocial behavior, or inappropriate content. But if they do have harmful effects (and it's arguable how many players really are affected in a negative way), they can also be helpful as well, yet you rarely hear a news story about the good. I've written before about how companies like IBM have studied MMO guilds in order to improve team-building and organization within their company. More recently, MMOWGLI focused on global issues, such as the future of piracy, to study what solutions players could cooperatively generate.

There are also positive benefits to children as well, and while we've touched on a few in recent columns, this week we'll focus on the impact LEGO Universe has had on autistic children. Sadly, the game will be shutting down in a few weeks, and while many parents are thankful for how much it's helped, they're also concerned about what will happen once the game is gone. Read on for a bittersweet look at how this LEGO-based game is leaving behind a legacy.

Continue reading MMO Family: LEGO Universe, autism, and heartbreak

MassivelyMMO Family: LEGO Universe, autism, and heartbreak originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspergersautismcasualchildrenchildrens-mmosf2pfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedfree-to-playkaren-bryankid-friendlykidskids-gameslegolego+gameslego+universelego+universe+game+autismlego-universelegogameslegouniverselegouniversegameautismmmo-closingmmo-familymmo-kidsmmo-shut-downopinionstar-wars-galaxiessunsettabula-rasaWed, 28 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Heroing-up in Super Hero Squad Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/mmo-family-heroing-up-in-super-hero-squad-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/mmo-family-heroing-up-in-super-hero-squad-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/mmo-family-heroing-up-in-super-hero-squad-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Super Hero Squad Online
There's a growing number of great kid-friendly MMOs available, and one that I've been meaning to check out for a while now is Super Hero Squad Online. The game has only been out for eight months, yet in that short time, it's reached over a million registered users and added lots of new content and characters.

I've spent some time in the game, along with my two young testers, to find out what the buzz is all about. We formed up a squad and set off to check out missions, the card game, our headquarters, and the opportunities for exploration out in the world, and our first impressions are found below. If you've ever wanted to know what the little super heroes eat or what holiday treats are available at the Parker household, you'll definitely want to read on!

Continue reading MMO Family: Heroing-up in Super Hero Squad Online

MassivelyMMO Family: Heroing-up in Super Hero Squad Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>family-friendlyfamily-friendly-mmofeaturedfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentHeadquartershousingkaren-bryankid-friendlykid-friendly-mmomarvelmarvel-super-hero-squadmmommo-familyshsosuper+hero+squadsuper+hero+squad+mmosuper+hero+squad+onlinesuper-herosuper-hero-squadsuper-hero-squad-onlinesuperherosuperhero+games+onlinesuperherogamesonlinesuperherosquadsuperherosquadmmosuperherosquadonlinetcgtrading-card-gameWed, 14 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Six kid-friendly MMOs that need to be made]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/mmo-family-six-kid-friendly-mmos-that-need-to-be-made/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/mmo-family-six-kid-friendly-mmos-that-need-to-be-made/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/mmo-family-six-kid-friendly-mmos-that-need-to-be-made/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

winnie the pooh
Back in 2010 at DICE, game developer and Carnegie Mellon Professor Jesse Schell gave a thought-provoking talk about extrinsic motivations in games. In it, he postulated that there's a blurring of the lines, and that we're moving toward a day when our everyday actions are driven by "points" and "achievements." All too often, that's what drives gameplay in popular MMOs, particularly for children -- complete some minigames or tasks in order to accumulate points/tokens/currency that can be used for rewards of your choice. But sometimes, what gets lost is the fun of playing in a virtual world. When my son plays Wizard101, one of his favorite things to do is stopping by the hidden cave under the waterfall in Wizard City because he was so excited to have discovered it on his own. And when my kids found the vault in Free Realms, it was one of their biggest moments. Granted, the vault is closed now and partially hidden by vines, but they were still excited to have found it.

There's so much more to MMOs than achievements and points, and there are many popular children's titles that would be great settings. Some foster exploration, some teach, and some are just wonderful venues for kids to have fun. Read on for a look at what children's MMOs need to be made (and I promise that not one is Harry Potter!).

Continue reading MMO Family: Six kid-friendly MMOs that need to be made

MassivelyMMO Family: Six kid-friendly MMOs that need to be made originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childrens-mmosDICEdice-2010featuredjesse-schellkaren-bryankid-friendly-mmosmmo-familyschell-gamesWed, 30 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: First Impressions of Project Exonaut]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-project-exonaut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-project-exonaut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-project-exonaut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Project Exonaut
Lately, I've been moving away from my "sword and board" mentality and instead checking out some MMOs that have faster gameplay, such as Vindictus' physics-based, arcade-style combat and Global Agenda's jetpack shooter battles. But while I've had fun grabbing gnolls by the throat and crushing them against the wall in Vindictus and fending off waves of zombies and chupacabras in Fallen Earth, the content isn't necessarily kid-friendly.

I wanted to find a game that had action, fast-paced combat, and jetpacks but still touched on all the things that make for a good family game. I stumbled on Project Exonaut, made by Cartoon Network, and decided to check it out. It's a browser-based, free-to-play game that pits you against other players in a futuristic setting. It's not quite an MMO and would probably fall under our Not So Massively heading, but I decided to try it out. Read on for a look at the game and my first impressions!

Continue reading MMO Family: First Impressions of Project Exonaut

MassivelyMMO Family: First Impressions of Project Exonaut originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cartoon-networkdexterexonautfamilyfamily-mmofeaturedgumballkaren-bryankidsmmo-familymmo-shooterpixarproject-exonautshooterWed, 16 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: First impressions of Little Space Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-little-space-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-little-space-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-little-space-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Little Space Heroes
In this week's MMO Family, I took a look at an adorable new game from Bubble Gum Interactive called Little Space Heroes. It's a free-to-play, animated, space-themed game aimed at children ages 6 to 12. The game is still in beta, but players can register and get a glimpse of this virtual universe right now.

At first glance, I wasn't sure whether I'd even be able to get my two young "testers" interested in the game. They've tried similar-looking games like Club Penguin but never seemed to stick with them for very long. Surprisingly, not only did they enjoy it, but they pretty much took over, and my little space alien hero was shoved aside as we spent most of our time playing their two characters. Read on for some first impressions!

Continue reading MMO Family: First impressions of Little Space Heroes

MassivelyMMO Family: First impressions of Little Space Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrowser-basedbubble-gum-interactivechildrenchildrens-mmosfamily-mmosfeaturedfirst-impressionshands-onkaren-bryankidskids-gameskids-mmoslittle-space-heroesopinionpreviewpreviewsspaceWed, 02 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Why games are good for family]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/mmo-family-why-games-are-good-for-family/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/mmo-family-why-games-are-good-for-family/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/mmo-family-why-games-are-good-for-family/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Free Realms
A couple of years ago, Massively readers engaged in a great discussion that doesn't get covered nearly as much as it should. Thanks to former Massively columnist Lisa Poisso, the column MMO Family was born, and she and the readers looked at how MMOs affect the family, both the positives and the potential dangers.

I'm excited to have the opportunity to start the column up again because I think a lot has changed in the short time since the column went on hiatus. We'll revisit a few issues that Lisa brought up and some of the more recently released MMO titles to see which ones are the best for family-centered gaming. To kick things off, I'd like to explore why MMOs are good for kids and for the family unit as a whole. When it comes to talk about kids and gaming, the discussion tends to revolve around the negatives, like violence, antisocial behavior, or lack of physical activity. No one will argue that MMOs, as with most anything, can have detrimental effects when played to excess. But to focus on the negatives is to ignore the vast amount of benefits that gaming can provide. Read on for a few examples.

Continue reading MMO Family: Why games are good for family

MassivelyMMO Family: Why games are good for family originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>club-penguindestructoidfamilyfamily-gamingfeaturedGDC-Online-2011hamza-azizkaren-bryankidsmegan-bellmind-candymmo-familymoshi-monsterspax-east-2011wizard101Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: A parent's look at Club Penguin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-club-penguin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-club-penguin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-club-penguin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family, from tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate online games for everyone in the family.

Perhaps the leading name in virtual worlds aimed at the younger set, Club Penguin has taken its place as the starter game of choice for many a young online gamer. Ask around any elementary school, and you're bound to find kids who're playing this Flash-based browser game.

We'd heard of the game too, of course -- but we'd never played. So let's take a look at how this virtual world of waddling friendlies stacks up against the rest of the kids' games we've reviewed in our Parent's Guide to Kids & Family Gaming.

Continue reading MMO Family: A parent's look at Club Penguin

MassivelyMMO Family: A parent's look at Club Penguin originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedchild-friendlychildrenclub-penguinf2pfamilyfamily-friendlyfamily-gamingfree-to-playfreemiumkid-friendlykidsmmo-familyparents-guideparents-guide-to-kids-and-family-gamingvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsTue, 21 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: A parent's look at Neopets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-neopets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-neopets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-neopets/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family, from tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate online games for everyone in the family.

Neopets is one of those uber-cute browser-based games that seems to have been around forever but is still going strong. It's a game that's aimed at younger kids, but it somehow manages to attract older kids as well -- and is often a guilty pleasure for their parents too.

My kids are fans of Neopets from way back, and I confess to keeping a few of the adorable little pets for my very own. So what's the attraction here? Let's take a look!

Continue reading MMO Family: A parent's look at Neopets

MassivelyMMO Family: A parent's look at Neopets originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedf2pfamilyfeaturedfree-to-playftpkidsmmo-familyneopetsparents-guideparents-guide-to-kids-and-family-gamingTue, 07 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: A parent's look at World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family, from tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate online games for everyone in the family.

World of Warcraft? Yeah, even folks who don't play video games at all have heard of this behemoth of MMO gaming. With 12 million subscribers worldwide, the WoW phenomenon has practically come to define an entire generation's worth of MMO gaming. While it's designed for teens and up, the game is so ubiquitous that you wouldn't have to dig far to find players of all ages, including many teens but also younger children as well.

With a new expansion, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, due for release on December 7th, plenty of kids (and grownups) will be angling for WoW in their holiday stockings. The question is: Is WoW a good fit for your kids? With good preparation and consistent parent moderation, it can be -- but if you don't play the game yourself or you take a more hands-off approach to gaming, you may want to wait until your little goblin- or worgen-to-be is well into the teen years. Join us after the break for an insider's look at WoW for younger children and teens.

Continue reading MMO Family: A parent's look at World of Warcraft

MassivelyMMO Family: A parent's look at World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cataclysmchild-friendlychildrenetiquettefamilyfamily-friendlyfamily-gamingfeaturedgroupinggroupsguildskid-friendlymmo-familynetiquetteparentsraidingsupervisionteenagersteensworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 30 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Mind your massively multiplayer manners]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/mmo-family-mind-your-massively-multiplayer-manners/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/mmo-family-mind-your-massively-multiplayer-manners/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/mmo-family-mind-your-massively-multiplayer-manners/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family, from tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate online games for everyone in the family.

Kids are like sponges, sure -- old saying is old. But are online manners something you really want to leave to chance? Are the interactions your kids so intently follow online the manners you want them soaking up and using themselves? As parents, we know that the habits and attitudes that kids pick up today are what we'll find coming right back at us tomorrow. Teens who are used to trolling in games and forums will have a hard time modulating to a less strident tone in a business meeting. Kids who excuse a lack of scruples with "whatever -- it's only the internet" are due for a big surprise when a thoughtless instant message or careless lack of response to an email slams doors in their faces later in life.

As parents who game, we all have hot buttons that set us off: the guy who always shows up late to raids, beggars, you name it. The point is: Have you talked to your kids yet about these behaviors? Are you explicitly (by both word and example) helping them not to grow up to be That Guy?

I'm pretty sure we don't need a primer in online etiquette here at Massively, but I don't think it would hurt to share some of the things we wish Those Other Parents had taught their kids before turning them loose in our games. I'll share my dirty dozen after the break -- won't you share your own in the comments?

Continue reading MMO Family: Mind your massively multiplayer manners

MassivelyMMO Family: Mind your massively multiplayer manners originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beggingchildrenetiquettefamilyfamily-gamingfeaturedgroupinggroupsguildsinterruptionslollulzmannersmistakesnetiquetteninja-inviteninja-lootingparentsraidingsupervisionteenagersteenstime-managementventTue, 16 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST