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08.10.2021

Popular games: Valorant

☕️
3 minutes reading time
14-17 years
Entertainment
Games
Tool description
Bildquelle: riotgames.com/en/press

In the free game Valorant two groups of five play against each other. Despite colorful cartoon visuals, weapons and violence are the central game elements.

In a nutshell:

  • free download for Windows PC
  • released from 16 years(USK)
  • Multiplayer first person shooter
  • In-game purchases (e.g. equipment of the game characters)
  • developed by RIOT Games (like for example League of Legends )

What can it do?

Valorant is similar to popular games like Fortnite, Overwatch or Counterstrike . At the beginning of each game, each player chooses a character (called an “agent”). This has special abilities and thus must be chosen tactically wise. In addition, different weapons can be bought at the beginning of a round, but for this, sometimes many rounds have to be played first. The necessary currency is earned and paid out at the end of each round according to personal performance and the team’s performance.
It is played in a group of five against another group. The game revolves around a bomb called “Strike”. This is set by a group and must now be defended. The other group, on the other hand, tries to defuse the bomb.
Due to the different abilities and weapon equipment of the agents, the game pieces have to be strategically placed wisely. To do this, the team must think together about which move is best per round. Teamwork and tactical skills are therefore required here.

What fascinates young people about it?

Valorant first became known because many streamers on Twitch were already playing a week before its official release. Thus, many young people became aware of the game. A plus point for teenagers is that the game is available for free.
With your own account you can play with friends from your own contact list and even create a clan.

What can be problematic about the offer?

Valorant has the USK age rating from 16 years. However, the game can be downloaded by younger gamers if they specify a wrong year of birth. Although it is about an armed conflict, the depictions of violence are rather harmless compared to other games.
There are also in Valorant a kind of reward system (“battle pass”). With the help of this system, new weapons and new agents can be acquired after many rounds played. This can be problematic because it can increase the addictiveness of the game. Also, there is a penalty for regularly quitting games that start, which can lead to not spontaneously quitting and always continuing to play, as there are points for winning as a team.

What does the provider think?

In addition to the Terms of Use of RIOT Games, Valorant has a Code of Conduct. Failure to comply with these rules may result in anything from suspension of in-game communication systems to temporary or indefinite suspension from Valorant or all RIOT games.

What should parents pay attention to?

Although the game is free to download, there are in-game purchases. Here you can buy new equipment for the agent or a battle pass. You should pay attention and talk to your child about the fact that even though the game is free, real money can still be spent.
Such a game is easy to get hold of, even if you are not yet 16 years old. Still, as a parent, pay attention to the USK age label and explain to your child why they are important. At the same time, it is helpful to exchange ideas with other parents.
If your child is playing Valorant because he or she is already 16 years old or you think he or she is mature enough, be sure to talk to him or her about his or her playing experience. This allows your child to reflect on and better process what he or she has experienced in play. Communication with other players is also crucial. Ask your child about what they experience in the game and chat with other gamers.

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