Every year at the end of August, it’s time for Gamescom, the world’s largest trade fair for digital games. This is also where prizes are awarded for the best and most popular games. Digital games are an integral part of everyday life for many children and young people. But which games do they like to play the most? We have compiled a small list of currently popular games.
Minecraft is a kind of Lego for the computer or tablet in which virtual building blocks are used to create your own world with creativity and skill. The game is approved for ages 6 and up by the USK and is very popular with children from late primary school age. In survival mode, players have to try to survive while fighting monsters. In creative mode, the focus is on creating new worlds. You can read more in our Minecraft tool description.
The game, which was released in 2017, is still as popular as it was at the beginning, especially in the 12 to 15 age group. Fortnite is a so-called battle royale game in which players fight against each other. There are several game variants: In the paid mode “Save the World”, the aim is to build a fortress with other players to protect the last human survivors from zombies. The free version “Fortnite Battle Royale” is far better known and more popular, in which the aim is to kill all other players alone or in a team in order to survive. The game is rated for ages 12 and up. More about this in our tool description for the game.
Roblox is a very popular free-to-play game that can be played on game consoles, mobile devices and PC. It is characterized by the fact that players can create their own game modes and try them out with others or choose from an extensive list of community game modes. This makes it possible to create replicas of other games such as racers or fighting games, which means there is a very large selection of games to choose from. Roblox carries the “USK from 12 years” label. Certain content in the game may be unsuitable for children, which is why Roblox has developed its own system to restrict content according to age rating. Further information about the game can be found in our tool description.
Brawlstars is a mobile game in which players compete against each other with a selection of characters in battle royale mode. The graphics are very colorful and reminiscent of comics. The game can be played alone or in teams. To defeat others, players use the weapons and special attacks of the “Brawlers”, as the characters are called in the game. The rounds only last a few minutes. New characters must be unlocked in the game by purchasing loot boxes. The game is rated 6+. You can find more information about the game in our tool description.
EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) is the best-known series of soccer video games – as popular with young people as it is with adults. A new version has been published annually since 1993. You can use teams and their current footballers from real soccer leagues or put together your own. Some of these must first be drawn from so-called “packs” (loot boxes). It is approved for ages 12 and up. Learn more about it in our tool description.
New Horizons is about exploring and building on an uninhabited island. The islands of friends can also be visited. The game is designed for children and has no age restrictions. Teenagers and young adults also enjoy playing it. New Horizons can only be played on a Nintendo Switch and is part of a simulation game series. You can find our article on the game here.
The action and racing game is a perennial favorite among games and is particularly popular with older teenagers. GTA V (5) is the latest version of the popular game series. Players take on the role of a criminal and have to complete missions and tasks in a fictional city. The game has a USK rating from the age of 18. The online mode is particularly popular, where players can explore the city with their friends, complete missions and drive cars. There are dedicated servers for role-playing elements in which committing crimes takes a back seat. Young people often emulate their idols and play the game online with others, especially through well-known Twitch streamers. You can find out more about the game in our tool description.
Call of Duty is also a popular game series that has been successful for many years. Older teenagers in particular like this game. The current version Call of Duty : Modern Warfare III is a first-person shooter for the PC and many popular consoles. The popular battle royale mode is also available on mobile devices under the name Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile. Players fight as soldiers against others at breakneck speed. The aim is to destroy enemies by force of arms or capture points. With a USK rating from 18, this game is not suitable for younger children due to the depiction of violence – see tool description.
The brochure “Level 30 – Digitale Spiele pädagogisch beurteilt” (“Level 30 – Digital games pedagogically assessed“) from Spieleratgeber NRW also provides a good overview of games that are popular with children and young people.
