There's one-stop shopping now for parents seeking ratings info about videogames. ESRB, the gaming industry's ratings organization, and FamilyFriendlyVideogames have teamed up to put each game's rating, content description, and a link to ESRB's rating summary on its "Report Card" page in FamilyFriendlyVideogames.com, according to the joint press release. Here's an example of the Report Card for the … [Read more...] about Convenient videogame reviews, ratings
gaming
Angry Birds: Future ‘total world domination’?
It's looking like that – total world domination for, of all things, Angry Birds (quite serendipitously to continue my bird theme this week [see this on red-tailed hawks]). Signs of approaching world domination: 1. Google has adopted Angry Birds, er, adapted their game for the Web via its Chrome browser, the Washington Post reports, adding that the game already runs on Android and Windows … [Read more...] about Angry Birds: Future ‘total world domination’?
Gaming for the Japan relief effort
Buy a certain virtual crop in Farmville or building in Cityville and – with the help of Save the Children and the Red Cross – your money goes to Japan earthquake relief, EngageDigital.com reports. "Social games can deploy charity items rapidly in response to disasters." Zynga (via its Farmville and Cityville games) started in mid-March. Sony Online Entertainment started its relief effort in late … [Read more...] about Gaming for the Japan relief effort
McGonigal’s latest game for social change
What a concept: Engage players in a "real world" quest that brings them together at a famous institution to kick off an online game for social change – not just game-changing but aiming to be world-changing (or to help players be change agents). Quest #1: If you're 18+ and want to be one of the first 500 people to play Find the Future, go on the "overnight adventure of a lifetime," and write a … [Read more...] about McGonigal’s latest game for social change
Playing & learning with our kids easier than ever
Mobile gaming (on cellphones, iPads, etc.) is doing a lot more than entertaining kids. Yes, it's bringing out their inner scientist (with Project Noah) or cartoonist (via Toontastic) and fueling their outdoor adventures (see HiddenPark.com), and yes it's occasionally a digital babysitter. But it also offers lovely, gentle changes in family dynamics. Mobile gaming can add to the household scene … [Read more...] about Playing & learning with our kids easier than ever