FIFA is the most famous and popular series of soccer video games. A new version has been published annually since 1993. Teams from real soccer leagues can be used or your own can be created. The successor to FIFA23 is called EA Sports FC 24 and is only released for ages twelve and up.
EA Sports FC (formerly: FIFA) is one of the most popular games among teenagers. This takes advantage of the popularity of well-known teams and soccer stars. Young people can take on the role of their favorite player and compete against other teams alone or with others in cross-platform online mode.
EA Sports FC is especially interesting for youngsters who are passionate about soccer anyway and can experience their favorite sport in yet another way. The game establishes a connection with the real teams and players who are idols for many soccer fans. Since FIFA 23, some women’s soccer leagues are also represented in the game.
Playing together with others and the competitive principle offer a special fun. Exciting are the clear rules that are adopted from the soccer field and must be implemented in the game environment: A foul is also a foul in the game. Various game modes, such as the manager mode, offer the possibility to shape the virtual soccer world beyond the game on the pitch. Here, for example, birthday parties or social media posts can be used to promote careers.
The most popular mode in the game is Ultimate Team. The attraction is that you can put together your own team of favorite players according to the trading card principle and compete with gamers from the worldwide community. The app allows young people to hone their skills on their favorite team away from the game via smartphone or PC. With EA Sports FC 24, women’s soccer players are now a part of the game mode. Women and men can also be set up together in a team.
Just as in a soccer game on the sports field or in the stadium, conflicts can also arise in computer games – for example, arguments or insults in multiplayer or online mode.
The criticism that a lot of money is at stake in professional soccer and that the sport is losing its importance is ignored at EA Sports FC. The idols and favorite teams are portrayed positively throughout and are role models. The commercialization of soccer is also evident in the online mode: With the necessary money, you can put together your dream team in the Ultimate Team game mode.
As an alternative for game rewards (e.g. for completed online tournaments), in-game currency can be purchased for real money, which can be invested directly in the game in new players, virtual goods or random-based player packages (so-called loot boxes). Lootboxes are controversial because their principle is reminiscent of games of chance: sometimes the players received in them are better, sometimes worse. This can tempt inexperienced gamers in particular to spend a lot of money in-game.
In terms of content, the game does not contain any aspects relevant to the protection of minors and has therefore been released by the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK) without age restriction to date. Due to the amendment of the German Youth Protection Act (JuSchG), the USK’s review criteria were adjusted at the beginning of 2023. Since then, the German age rating system has taken into account both content relevant to the protection of minors and so-called potential usage risks. This means: Previously, the USK’s review panels could not consider any chat options, in-game purchases or lootboxes. Since the beginning of 2023 this is different – hence now the age rating from 12 years.
Furthermore, the reasons for an age rating have been transparently indicated by additional notes since this year. These can be found on the back of the games’ packaging and in online stores right next to the age label. The higher age rating for EA Sports FC 24 was justified by the cues “pressure to act” and “in-game purchases + random objects”.
EA Sports focuses on the sporting and playful character of the game. The provider sees the game as a social platform where young people can share their passion for soccer and build friendships. EA Sports earns considerable sums with microtransactions such as lootboxes. The manufacturer refers to them as “virtual surprise eggs” and sees no need for change.
Parents should realize that for kids and teens, EA Sports FC is all about having fun together. Play once together with your child and try to understand the fascination. This connects and at the same time provides an opportunity to exchange ideas about the critical aspects of soccer.
Be sensitive to the potential conflicts within the game. Give tips and agree on rules on how best to behave when communicating in online games.
Check the age rating of the game. Note that the previous FIFA versions were still tested according to the old USK criteria and were therefore released without age restrictions, although they also contained chat options, in-game purchases or lootboxes. For younger children, the game may not be unproblematic.
As parents, you should be especially attentive when it comes to in-game purchases. Together with your child, consider whether these are necessary and – if desired – set an upper limit. Talk to your child about the dangers of gambling mechanisms. The popular game consoles also offer detailed protection settings in which purchases within a game can be prohibited.
Set a good example for your children by controlling your own playtime and making it appropriate. This can help promote healthy habits.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game popular with children for the Nintendo Switch. In this part of the game series, the animal characters are transported to a beautiful island.
The Animal Crossing video game series from Nintendo has been around since 2001. Available games include amiibo Festival (for Wii U), Happy Home Designer (for Nintendo DS) and Pocket Camp (for smartphone).
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been on the market since 2020. In this game, your own character explores a paradise island – with rivers, mountains and beach. The island is to be repopulated. After some time, animal neighbors move to the island. You can chat with them or they ask for help in finding objects. There are typical buildings and stores, just like in a real city, except that everything looks colorful and childish. Each player has his or her own house, which can be expanded and enlarged. Planting is done and the game characters can pursue hobbies such as fishing or playing with animals. The game runs in real time, so the daylight changes and holidays take place.
Certain actions require spending Sternis, the fictional currency on the island. Staris are given for sold objects or fulfilled missions. If you don’t have enough Sternis, you have to take out a loan.
Animal Crossing works very well without the Internet and can therefore be played on the go. WLAN is required to visit the store, which offers new outfits and the like. However, this is not necessary to progress in the game!
The game has a simple structure and childlike animation. There are animals everywhere. Children can discover and get to know exactly many elements from reality, such as certain animals, money transactions and agriculture. Many activities are unlocked gradually. This way, rather inexperienced players are introduced slowly and the game remains exciting because something new is always happening. The controls and activities are basically quick and easy for children to understand.
Simulation games can be very engaging for kids because they want to keep progressing. This creates the risk of getting lost in the game and not being able to stop.
When the Nintendo Switch is connected to the Internet, functions such as a chat or store can be used. This poses further risks, such as unwanted contact by strangers or unnecessary in-app purchases .
The reality depicted in the game is very stereotypical. That is, there is no diverse people and activities on the island.
Even though there is no age restriction, your child should be at least 6 years old to play it. Be sure to accompany your child and do not let them play alone until they are familiar with everything. You can also play together by each creating your own character and exploring the island together. Then you can respond to your child’s questions that arise during the game and understand what he likes about it.
Agree on a fixed time allotment per day or week. Make sure it doesn’t play too much and that you are always approachable.
The game is only available on a Nintendo Switch playable. If your child would like to play it, but the game console is not available, you have to expect further (high) acquisition costs. If you already have a console, but you are not sure if the purchase of the game is worth it, you can also ask around among your acquaintances if someone can lend it to you. Public libraries also lend computer games.
You can get even more information about the game at spielbar.de or spieleratgeber-nrw.de.
The Sims has long been one of the most popular computer games. The series has been inspiring gamers around the world – including children and teenagers – for about 20 years.
In the PC and console game you can create the life of the so-called Sims. As a single player you create different characters, determine their appearance, characteristics and social interaction. You build cities and houses for the Sims and decide what profession a Sim chooses, whether he or she will have a career and start a family. Much is the same as in the real world, except that you can influence more yourself. It is the simulation of life without a concrete game goal as in many other games. The player’s drive is to give the Sims a “good life”. So you can’t lose or win.
The Sims is a role-playing game in which you can create different characters. Many children like to slip into other roles to try out different personalities. They can try things that are not (yet) possible in real life because they are reserved for adults, for example. At the same time, the game feels very realistic, so they can discover familiar things and put themselves in different roles well.
The countless design possibilities do not let boredom arise and children can live out their creativity. It is pleasant that in the latest Sims version you can create people very freely, without serving prejudices. For example, no distinction is made between female and male. Female Sims can be muscular and earn the same salary in the same jobs as men, and male Sims can even get pregnant.
Playing with the Sims has no clear end. This may make it difficult for your child to stop playing. Immersing yourself in other worlds and different roles is tempting. But it also carries the risk of getting lost in it – precisely because the social aspect plays an important role. Your child can decide with whom the Sims make friends, spend time and much more. In real life, it’s not always that simple.
Players will also be confronted with the fact that people die – because that also happens in the Sims world. The way a Sim can die could be very distressing, especially for younger children: he or she can drown, burn to death, starve to death, or even be eaten by a carnivorous plant.
The mobile freeplay version of the game, which can be installed for free via the popular app stores, contains in-app purchases and advertisements. Not every child knows how to handle it. It can be tempting to buy certain package to achieve certain things faster.
There is no official website of the game with specific terms of use and privacy notices. Information about game releases, announcements, purchase options and forums for fans can be found on the website of the game distributor EA (Electronic Arts).
Pay attention to the age recommendations and get to know the game yourself first to be able to assess whether it is right for your daughter or son. Then take the first steps together in setting up the game. Maybe you feel like creating some sims together?
In life simulation games, values such as community, trust and tolerance are of particular importance. The Sims in particular provide an opportunity for you to talk with your child about role models, values, and ideas and consider whether they fit with your ideas and those of your child.
Since the game could be played on continuously, you should agree together on rules for the duration of the game. Also discuss with your child how to deal with possible costs and in-app purchases. The mobile version of the game requires permanent Internet access and offers a chat function that allows communication with other players. Advise your child of the risks of contact with strangers or disable the chat function.
