BALANCING GAMING AND YOUR KIDS AS A BUSY DAD

If you want to try to game as a busy dad, then you will know how limited you can be on time sometimes. With that said, if you can try to set realistic goals, this can help you a lot. When life gets busy with things like school runs or even bedtime stories, trying to fit in a bit of time to game can be challenging, but with that said, if you can set some realistic goals from time to time, then this can help you more than you realize.

Make Family Time a Priority 

Family time should come first at the end of the day, and gaming should never feel as though it’s taking time away from your important moments in life. That doesn’t mean that you should try to stop gaming completely, but it does mean that you have to be careful about how often you play. A good way to work around this would be for you to try to schedule gaming sessions around family time and family activities. You also need to try to make sure that you are not missing out on any activities that you could be doing to try to unwind. It may be that you make a habit of gaming after your movie night has ended, as it means that you can relax while everyone is winding down. Of course, doing this also means you’re not always pulling away from the people you love to do what you want, and it also means your family is getting to spend a bit of quality time with you, which is great.

Trying Shorter Games 

 If you don’t have time to play RPGs all the time, then another thing you can do is try shorter games. Trying shorter games is a good way for you to try and make sure that you’re not only getting the result you need out of the time you have. If you want a good starting point with gaming, then it could be worth exploring online games you might not have tried before. JP88 Official has a range of casino games available, and when you give them a go for yourself, you will soon find that it’s very easy for you to let go a little while potentially winning some money. You can also sit at blackjack tables and feel like you’re with other people, due to the setup of the game. This is a great way for you to see what else is out there.

Set up the Right Space 

Another thing you need to do is try to set up the right space. You need to make sure that you are setting something up for the whole family, and you also need to make sure that you have somewhere comfortable to relax and play whenever you need a bit of space. If you can keep this in mind, then you will find that it’s easier than ever to not only get the result you need, but to try and relax while doing it.

RAIDEN FIGHTERS REMIX COLLECTION

Nearly 30 years after the original arcade release, the RAIDEN FIGHTERS video game series is now set to make an epic return on modern consoles, thanks to the ongoing push to make it happen from a devoted fanbase. H2 Interactive will release the 2D shooting games originally developed by ‘MOSS Co., Ltd.’ in a collection called "Raiden Fighters Remix Collection for PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch on February 26th, 2026. It includes both the Japanese and international versions of the ‘Raiden Fighters Trilogy’ — ‘Raiden Fighters’, ‘Raiden Fighters 2’, and ‘Raiden Fighters Jet’.

The ‘Raiden Fighters’ series, first released in the 1990s, is an enduring classic that fascinated gamers with its pixel graphics, high-tempo, intense sound effects, and intricately designed scoring system. Now these games are being updated with some modern touches that include:

Retry Feature: A feature that allows players to return to the beginning of a stage has been newly added, which significantly improves the player’s efficiency. 

Beginner-Friendly Feature: A special mode has been added in which enemies do not fire bullets at the player, making the game more accessible to newcomers. 

Settings Customization Feature: Players can start the game with their preferred settings pre-configured, allowing for a more personalized and convenient gameplay experience. 

BGM Customization Feature: Players can customize the background music for each stage, with a wide selection of newly remixed tracks also included.

The three titles included in ‘Raiden Fighters Remix Collection’ — ‘Raiden Fighters Remix’, ‘Raiden Fighters 2 Remix’, and ‘Raiden Fighters Jet Remix’ — will be available individually through the PlayStation Store and Nintendo Online Store. In addition, the complete three-title bundle, ‘Raiden Fighters Remix Collection’, will be released in both standard physical and limited editions.

PLAY GAMES ON YOUR TV NOW THROUGH NETFLIX

Netflix just made game night a whole lot easier. Now you can play games on your TV. All you need is Netflix and your phone. That’s it. Just like that, everything you need to start playing with your friends and family is in the palm of your hands.

“Starting today, you can play games on your TV, using your phone as a controller — no setup needed, it’s as easy as streaming your favorite shows,” Alain Tascan, President of Games at Netflix, communicated to ageekdaddy.com “You can now go from watching KPop Demon Hunters to playing Pictionary: Game Night without ever leaving Netflix. And for those who love to play anywhere and everywhere, we're bringing even more games to your phone with our own special Netflix touch.”

CLICK HERE for more information!

DEATH ON THE NILE VIDEO GAME

I've immersed myself in a murder mystery for some Halloween fun playing Agatha Christie -- Death on the Nile on my Nintendo Switch. I've been a fan a Agatha Christie's whodunit novels since reading Ten Little Indians for a middle school English assignments. I've read her books, watched movies based on them and now for the first time am playing a video game that lets you take on the role of the detective attempting to solve an Agatha Christie murder mystery. 

In Agatha Christie -- Death on the Nile, a peaceful cruise turns into a nightmare when a murder shatters the tranquility of the voyage. Fortunately, renowned detective Hercule Poirot is on board. At the same time, a parallel investigation led by private detective Jane Royce takes players from London to Mallorca, New York, and finally to Egypt. The two storylines converge in Abu Simbel, where this dynamic investigative duo must solve a tangled case full of twists and intrigue.

This video game isn't just walking through the storyline of the Agatha Christie novel of the same name though; it has a 1970's era vibe to it adding a fresh perspective to the story and the video game has added new layers, secrets and unexpected turns to add new surprises for players to overcome and be surprised by. If you enjoy murder mystery stories this video game is a fun way to jump into the pages of an Agatha Christie novel to become a participant in the whodunit.

Here are some of the key features that stand out in the game:

Two Playable Protagonists - Step into the shoes of both Hercule Poirot and Jane Royce, each offering unique gameplay perspectives and interconnected storylines leading to a thrilling finale.

A Fresh Setting - Immerse yourself in a reimagined 1970s backdrop—an era of social transformation marked by the rise of feminism, civil rights movements, and cultural liberation. From discotheques and flared trousers to vibrant characters, the game brings a colorful, stylish flair to the classic mystery.

Expanded Storyline - Discover an entirely new investigation that continues beyond the events of the original novel—filled with surprises for longtime Christie fans and newcomers alike.

Diverse Locations - Explore a variety of stunning settings—from the exotic cruise on the Nile bustling streets of Mallorca, London, and Cairo.

Enhanced Mindmap System - Collect clues, make connections, and piece together the mystery using a dynamic mindmap that helps you deduce and drive the investigation forward.

Confrontation System - Put the pressure on suspects by leveraging the evidence you've gathered, uncover lies, reveal motives, and expose the truth.

Character Profiles - Build detailed profiles of suspects and witnesses through dialogue, observation, and investigation to deepen your understanding of each character and their secrets.

Agatha Christie -- Death on the Nile is crafted by French video game publisher Microids. Since 1985, Microids has had a focus on adventure games and titles aimed at "core gamers." They partnered with Agatha Christie Limited, led by Christie's great-grandson James Prichard, to officially license the Death on the Nile video game instead of doing a knock off of the material demonstrating Microids dedication to thoroughness and quality. Other immersive games available from the publisher include Amerzone: The Explorer's Legacy, Empire of the Ants, and Flint: Treasure of Oblivion. 

The video game is available as a digital download online from My Nintendo Store or in physical format from Amazon. There is also available on Amazon a Limited Edition Pack that includes the video game, a 48-page art book, a cruise ticket inspired bookmark and a digital download of the game's music soundtrack. If you don't play video games on Switch like me, Agatha Christie -- Death on the Nile is also available on Playstation, PC and XBox. 

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THE LAST OF US FIRST SEASON STEELBOOK

If you haven't seen the first season of HBO's acclaimed television show based upon the sci-fi/horror video THE LAST OF US now is a good time to consider a binge watch before the second season is released this April. Catch up on all 9 episodes plus 3 hours of special features with the limited edition 4K Ultra HD Steelbook of The Last of Us: The Complete First Season available for preorder now with a March 18, 2025 scheduled delivery date from Amazon.com. 

In 2003, a parasitic fungal infection ravages the planet, turning humans into violent creatures known as the Infected. Twenty years later, hardened survivor Joel (Pedro Pascal) is hired to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie (Bella Ramsey) out of an oppressive quarantine zone in hopes of delivering her to the rebel Fireflies. But what should be a quick job soon becomes a brutal and heartbreaking journey as they traverse a desolate U.S. – while depending on each other’s unique skills for survival. Created, written, and executive produced by Emmy® winner Craig Mazin (HBO’s Chernobyl) and Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann, this riveting series brings a video game world to life, painting a grim vision of the future of humanity – and the lives of those who would risk everything to save it.

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FREE MICROIDS VIDEO GAME DEMOS ON STEAM

Are you a PC gamer? If so, you will want to check out several playable demos that will be available for FREE on Steam, offering players a sneak peek at some of the most anticipated titles from video game publisher Microids. The free demos will be available starting Monday, October 14, at 1 PM EST, as part of Steam Next Fest. Demos will be available for Empire of the Ants, Flint - Treasure of Oblivion, Amerzone - The Explorer's Legacy, Little Big Adventure Twinsen's Quest, and The Smurfs - Dreams. 

EMPIRE OF THE ANTS

Experience an immersive journey and defend your lands through tactical and strategic battles in an epic, microscopic world. Become #103,683, the Ant Savior: lead your colony, rebuild a home, protect it, make it prosper, and conquer new territories throughout different seasons. Exploration, strategy, combat skills, and alliances with local wildlife will be crucial to emerge victorious from the many challenges lying ahead. 

Inspired by Bernard Werber's bestselling Empire of the Ants, the game offers a strategic experience right off the pages of the iconic book series. Empire of the Ants will be available on November 7, 2024, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

FLINT: TREASURE OF OBLIVION

Prepare to embark alongside Captain Flint, his first mate Billy Bones, and a crew of seasoned pirates in search of a legendary treasure that promises freedom and fortune. With a unique narrative style inspired by traditional comic books, the tactical RPG Flint: Treasure of Oblivion invites players into a historically inspired pirate adventure mixed with a touch of fantasy. Flint: Treasure of Oblivion is scheduled for a November 14, 2024 release for PC.

AMERZONE: THE EXPLORER'S LEGACY

As a young journalist, you’ve been entrusted with a crucial mission: to cross the globe and reach the heart of a mysterious, faraway land. Your goal is to bring back the last egg of the mythical “Great White Birds”. According to legend, they are bound up with the fate of the only country they call home: a land with strange, dangerous plants and wildlife that has been devastated by years of bloody dictatorship.

Solve puzzles, find clues that will help you along your way, and get immersed in the spirit of adventure, the beauty of the landscapes and the depth of the story. A release date for this PC video games has not been announced yet.

LITTLE BIG ADVENTURE: TWINSEN'S QUEST

 First released in 1994 as “Little Big Adventure”, this action-adventure classic by Frédérick Raynal (Alone in the Dark) captivated audiences worldwide. With new artistic direction, updated gameplay, and a completely remastered soundtrack by Philippe Vachey, this remake brings back the original magic with a modern twist. Players will rediscover the enchanting world of planet Twinsun, master the Magic Ball for exciting adventures, and dive into a deep narrative, all while exploring reimagined levels for a smoother experience. 

Little Big Adventure – Twinsen’s Quest will be available digitally on November 14, 2024 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

THE SMURFS: DREAMS

Embark on a brand-new adventure in the world of the Smurfs with the 3D platformer by Ocellus Services, The Smurfs - Dreams, where dreams collide with the darkest nightmares. Whether playing solo or with a friend, explore enchanted or eerie locations and dive into your favorite Smurfs’ dreams through levels packed with varied gameplay in this magical adventure. Each world brings its own unique challenges, offering a fully immersive experience where imagination comes to life. 

The Smurfs - Dreams will be available on October 24, 2024, in physical and digital editions for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, and in digital formats on PC (Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store) and Xbox One/Series.

RAILROADS ONLINE VIDEO GAME COMES TO PLAYSTATION AND XBOX

For those of you who share Sheldon Cooper's love of locomotives, you'll be GEEKED to know that the PC railway train simulator RAILROADS ONLINE is coming to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S video game consoles.  In Railroads Online, developed by Stefan Kelnberger and published by astragon Entertainment, players create the railroad network of their dreams alone or in a multiplayer with up to 16 players. In a large open game world, rails, switches, and stations must be built to transport different goods in authentic locomotives. The game uses the advanced physics systems of the Unreal Engine to create the most authentic railroad simulation possible, rendering collisions and forces dynamically in real time for maximum immersion. Railroads Online will be released digitally this Fall priced at $39.99.

In the game more than 20 authentic locomotives are available for transporting different goods. These locomotives hail from the golden era of steam engines in the United States, spanning from the 1870s — when steam power was rapidly transforming transportation — through to the height of steam locomotive innovation in the early 1900s. 

Among the collection are legendary models like the Montezuma, renowned Baldwin steam engines, the powerful Class 125, and the iconic "Betsy". Many of the steam locomotives featured in Railroads Online no longer exist or a very limited number are still around. The development team used specialist magazines, preserved documents, and surviving models in North American museums to recreate these locomotives as faithfully as possible in the game.

Game features include:

• Open sandbox game world to explore;
•  Online multiplayer mode with up to 16 players; 
• Build your own railroad infrastructure, including tracks, switches, stations and more;
•  Authentic, detailed locomotives and equipment;
•  Realistic railroad physics system and operation of locomotive controls, valves, brakes and equipment;
•  Earn money by transporting goods to develop your own business and buy more locomotives, cars and equipment;
•  Customizable locomotives

For more information, please visit: railroads-online.xsollasitebuilder.com

MARIO KART 8 DELUXE BOOSTER COURSE PASS

Thanks to Nintendo for gearing me up for MARIO KART 8 DELUXE by providing me with the video game, its Booster Course Pass DLC and a racing jacket to show off my being a Nintendo Dad. A bunch of dad bloggers including myself got together courtesy of Nintendo to play with the Booster Course Pass DLC in an online Grand Prix. It was a crash course for me in learning to play the game! 

The Booster Course Pass opens up 48 more courses beyond what are available on the base Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game for Nintendo Switch as a paid DLC. It also unlocks new playable characters to race with and 16 new Mii racing suits for customizing character appearances.

What is a DLC? Downloadable content that can expand upon the storylines and challenges of an already released video game. DLC normally involve purchasing a subscription for future updates to a video game or just buying an update outright like the case in the Booster Course Pass for MARIO KART 8 DELUXE. Sometimes DLC are also made available for free too as a perk for having a membership in a paid online service like Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

Highlights of the Booster Course Pass DLC include the Yoshi’s Island course—inspired by the Super Mario World™ 2: Yoshi’s Island™ game—and returning favorites like DS Waluigi Pinball, GCN Daisy Cruiser, Wii DK Summit, and Wii Rainbow Road. Whether you're coasting through the flowery hills or clinging to the rainbow edges, you're in for a wild ride! 

By downloading the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC, you can unlock 8 more characters to use in all modes! Birdo, Petey Piranha, Kamek, Wiggler, Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline, and Peachette are all ready to race to the finish.

   

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC costs $24.99 and requires ownership of the MARIO KART 8 DELUXE video game to utilize its features. Racers who have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership though have access to all of the DLC courses, characters, and Mii racing suits at no additional cost while their membership is active.

With MARIO KART 8 DELUXE burn rubber across Mushroom Kingdom raceways—underwater, in the sky, upside-down in zero-g, and past the finish—for the win! Get revved up for local multiplayer, online in-game tournaments, a revamped battle mode, and more! Are you ready to race?! 

EMPIRE OF THE ANTS VIDEO GAME

Entomologists, zoologists who study insects, as well as those of us who are fans of Disney's "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" movies are sure to be geeked about an upcoming video game coming to PC, PlayStation and Xbox later this year. Video game publisher Microids is creating a 3D strategy game based upon author Bernard Werber's popular Empire of the Ants novel. In Werber's science fiction fantasy, ants are the heroes of the story while humans are the pesty antagonists. The upcoming video game will allow players to explore a vast photo-realistic world inspired by Bernard Werber's book viewed from an ant's perspective. 

Microids just released a trailer of its work in progress for Empire of the Ants. The video game looks amazing! Check out the Microids Empire of the Ants trailer:

In the Empire of the Ants video game, use every move to your advantage on the path to world domination. Strategy, exploration, conflict, and alliances with local wildlife species will be essential for your colony’s survival. Stand out elements of the game include:

• Take part in an epic adventure - Take the role of a brave ant through a third person view and explore unique abilities that can help you in battle and exploration. 
•  A 3D real-time strategy game with progressive difficulty - The game offers an intuitive experience with tutorials for newcomers to learn RTS fundamentals, while providing scalable difficulty and advanced mechanics for veteran players. 
•  Explore vast environments and meet the local wildlife - Empire of the Ants will invite players to sink their teeth into a photorealistic forest where they will meet and interact with other ants and forest dwellers throughout their journey. 
•  Immersive and photo-realistic - Unreal Engine 5 pushes the boundaries of photorealism - just look at the plants and wildlife! 
•  Narrative based on the seasons - The game features a narrative that follows the rhythm of the seasons and affects wildlife attributes such as speed, resistance, buffs, and more. 
•  Day and night environments - The maps in the game will also change depending on the time of day (day, night, dawn, and twilight).

For more updates on the video games release, visit microids.com

One of my favorite scenes in the Empire of the Ants video game trailer was watching the appearance of the Praying Mantis. They are one of my favorite insects. I'm always geeked when catching a glimpse of them hunting around our backyard landscape and pool.

If you want to get a close up look at insects like praying mantis, ants, butterflies, and lady bugs in real life check out insectlore.com. They have kits where you can order insect eggs or larva and watch them hatch. My kids loved it when we watched caterpillars that arrived in an Insect Lore kit create cocoons them emerge as butterflies. Read our Insect Lore review here. You can find Insect Lore kits on Amazon.com. 

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QUADROIDS

A new mind twisting puzzle game, QUADROIDS, is coming to PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4 and Xbox One on February 22, 2024. Crafted by solo-developer Blue Loop Studio, Quadroids sees you assist an evil robotic overlord, Roboctopus, in its quest for galactic domination. With an army of devious bots - Quadroids - you’ll navigate over 100 crafty trials, dodging pools of acid, lasers, and all manner of death-dealing dangers.

Game features include:

• Four Screens, One Player - Control the Quadroids across four screens simultaneously for the ultimate coordination challenge. 
•  Survive the perils of Space - A myriad of hazards await! Avoid acid baths, dodge spikes and manipulate your environment. 
•  Sacrifices Must Be Made! - Every death is a platforming opportunity. Sacrifice bots to secure victory. 
•  Assist an Evil Robotic Overlord - Over 100 levels stand between your army and intergalactic domination.
•  Ask For Help - Play with up to 4 people, who can take over one or more of the screens to help you become “Employee of the month”! 
•  Stream Your Struggles - Twitch integration for streamers to interact with their audience and give them partial or total command over your screens! Viewers can also ‘volunteer’ to be featured in the game… And gently be sacrificed... Oops!

Check out the game trailer:

For more information about the game, visit its Twitter account @Quadroids. And if you are on Twitter, X, or whatever the hell they are calling that social media platform these days please give this Geek Daddy's account, @Geekdad248, a follow too. 

THE SURPRISING LIFE SKILLS GAMING CAN HELP YOUR KIDS DEVELOP

It’s 2024, but it’s fair to say that a lot of people still think that gaming is a waste of time, especially for kids, who should be out hitting a ball or learning a language or whatever. However, those of us who know a bit about gaming, know that it can be a valuable part of any child (and adult's) life, and actually, it can help gamers to develop lots of neat life skills that will help them through life. 

That being the case, below, let’s take a look at some of the most practical skills gaming can impart to kids (and big kids) alike: 

1. Driving Skills: Virtual Wheels, Real Skills 

Believe it or not, racing around virtual tracks can give your kids a head start on real-world driving, so even if you won't be Googling ‘ book drive test ’ for a few years yet, let them blast out the driving games in preparation today. Handling virtual vehicles requires quick reflexes, sharp hand-eye coordination, and understanding of speed and space. It's like a driver’s ed class, but with zero risk of denting the family car, and that’s a bonus, right? 

2. Problem-Solving: Brain Gymnastics 

Adventure and puzzle games are like a really heavy workout for the brain. They teach kids to think on their feet, solve problems, and strategize like little masterminds. Each level is a new puzzle, turning your child into a mini Sherlock Holmes, and this will help them solve math problems, engineering issues and IT bugs in their school work for sure. 

3. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work 

Many games require players to work as a team to achieve common goals. It teaches kids the art of collaboration, communication, and even leadership, and not only how much fun it can be, but how well co-operating can help us all to come up with solutions and get things done. 

4. Money Management: Virtual Budgeting 101 

Some games involve managing resources or virtual money – a sneak-peek into budgeting and resource allocation. Your kids learn to save for that epic sword or space cruiser, teaching them the value of money, which will see them in good stead once they head off for college and have to manage their budgets for themselves for the first time. 

5. Technological Fluency: Digital Natives Unite 

Let’s face it, we’re in a digital era. Gaming helps kids become tech-savvy and comfortable with modern technology. It’s a bit like giving them a passport to the digital world – an essential skill for the tech-driven future. 

6. Creativity and Imagination: Beyond the Screen 

Games with open worlds or creative platforms (think Minecraft) are digital sandboxes. They encourage creativity, design, and imagination, - all things that can lead to lucrative careers when they are a bit older 

7. Patience and Perseverance: The Grind Pays Off 

Games can be challenging. They teach kids that sometimes, you fail and try again. This instils patience, perseverance, and the understanding that practice makes perfect. It’s the virtual version of “If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again.” 

8. Stress Relief: Digital Decompression 

Believe it or not, gaming can be a great stress reliever. It allows kids a break from the real world and lets them blow off steam in a safe environment. And learning ho to do this will help them manage their mental health in a healthy way as they get older. 

So, while it’s important to balance screen time with other activities, gaming is not the villain it’s often made out to be, and it can actually help kids to develop skills that will see them through life. Let them play!

ART OF ATARI

During the 1970s, ATARI was a pioneer in the creation of video games first with arcade cabinets then with the introduction of its home gaming console. The ATARI name is synonymous with describing the electronic entertainment industry of the times. As a kid growing up in the 70s and 80s, I spent countless hours playing Jungle Hunt, Missile Command, Pac-Man, River Raid, and Space Invaders on the Atari 2600; but I spent probably just as much time enjoying the artwork on video game box covers, instruction manuals and advertisements.

While ATARI is known for its video games, the artwork produced by the company was just as much, if not more, extraordinary. Although always enjoying ATARI games, I remember always being a bit disappointed that their on-screen graphics never were comparable to the enticing artwork marketing them. I used to check out every detail of ATARI art which provided inspiration for imagining fantastic stories in my mind of astronaut adventures, army battles, and mythical encounters. The art of ATARI for me added an extra element of excitement to the brand that complimented the cutting-edge tech of its video games.

As ATARI turns 50 this year and we see the entertainment industry moving away from releasing products in physical formats such as cartridges and discs, I wonder if we will be losing out on the artwork that graced music album covers and video game boxes? Will companies find it worth the investment to continue producing art that is aimed to have their products catch consumers eyes when people are shopping through digital marketplaces instead of strolling through the aisles of brick-and-mortar stores? I sure hope so because this type of artwork has brought a lot of joy and inspiration to my life!

If you are a fan of ATARI artwork like I am, celebrate this milestone 50th anniversary year of ATARI by taking a look back at the art created for the company in a book by Tim Lapetino that is a compilation of the wonderful imagery produced during the 70s & 80s. This 352 page hardcover book published by Dynamite Entertainment is the first official collection of ATARI artwork. It delves into how artwork from Asteroids, Centipede and numerous other video games aided in both game development and marketing. Enjoy a catalog of unique illustrations from the company's advertising, packaging and more. ART OF ATARI is a book that I'm personally very geeked about!

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VIDEO GAMES THAT LET YOUR KIDS MAKE THEIR OWN GAMES

Playing video games is the new normal for children, and as a parent, you are probably overwhelmed by the never-ending requests for new video games. While you can do very little to change this reality besides regulating how much time your children spend playing games, there’s no need to start worrying about your little one's future. This is because there is so much in the store for kids who love these games. 

How Video Games Benefit Your Child’s Learning and Development

Children do not view video games as a channel to enjoy a little escapism. Instead, these games present the perfect opportunities to engage their minds and accomplish a specific objective. It is no wonder that games have been found to have immense benefits for kids, including:

 ● Improving problem-solving skills

 ● Bettering imagination and creative thinking

 ● Enhancing hand-eye coordination

 ● Improving mental health 

● Building on their socialization skills 

A New Horizon for Children Who Love Gaming 

The primary aim of video games is to keep kids entertained, but as your little ones get better at a game, they get to discover a whole new virtual world that arouses their curiosity. Many questions will keep emerging as the urge to know the “behind-the-scenes” concepts of the game eventually get the better of them.

As a parent, this provides the opportune moment to transform your kid’s favorite pastime into a learning platform that might guarantee that great future you always envisioned. Instead of trying to explain the concepts of game designing and programming to your kids (if you happen to have an idea), how about you let them explore this virtual world? 

Yes, you heard that right. Your game-obsessed kid can now do more than play a game and take their interests a level higher by learning how to make their own games. Essentially, doing this will introduce your little ones to the world of coding and game designing. The icing on the cake is that an interest in coding could one day lead to a career in robotics, software development, and computer systems engineering, among other lucrative professions. 

Popular Video Games That Let Kids Make Their Own Games 

A great way to introduce your kids into the world of game designing and coding is by starting with the basics, and video games that allow players to design new concepts are a great launch pad. Some of the most popular games to consider are: 

1. Super Mario Maker 2 

Is your kid a Mario fan? The Super Mario Maker 2 will provide them with a chance to create their own adventures within the Marioverse. Since this is one of the most popular gaming franchises, there are countless user-created levels available for sampling and in-depth tutorials for your kids to follow. The best part is that once your little one creates a new level, they can share it with their friends, making the challenge more fun and worthwhile. 

2. Levelhead 

Levelhead allows your children to dive into the world of game designing by putting their creativity to the test with a range of powerful editing tools that enable them to craft new levels. The tutorials offered might not be as in-depth, but they cover the basics required for your kids to figure their way around and come up with exciting concepts. Your children will also love the daily build challenges, a perfect training ground that enables them to grow their knowledge about how best to use specific tools. 

3. Dreams 

Dreams is a much-more advanced video game that is best for teens who want to explore the world of game designing. It offers a deeper level of game creation as players get to create everything, from the layout to the soundtracks. As such, there is a lot of “groundwork” for designers to do as they will be doing a lot more work if they hope to create an outstanding and exciting new level. 

4. Minecraft 

Minecraft has exemplified the concept of in-game editing for many years and is a choice you can never go wrong with. Since it has attracted a lot of attention, there are endless tutorials and guides available that your kids can go through to improve their skills. 

 5. Trials Fusion 

This racing game allows your children to get away from the racing tracks and focus on creating more challenging levels for them to tackle. Die-hard gamers have already created millions of tracks, and your kids have more than enough samples to try out and give them better ideas for their creations. 

6. Tynker 

Tynker primarily focuses on teaching children programming concepts, and most of these lessons have to be paid for. Nevertheless, it also has several games that your little ones can play, discover how they work, and learn how to make new levels or create similar ones from scratch.

Conclusion 

Video games are a lifeline for children, and as a parent, it is best to view them as a productive platform that you can use to educate your little ones and introduce them to coding even as they have fun.

UBISOFT RIDERS REPUBLIC HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY

To help spread some holiday cheer, the nice folks over at Ubisoft have provided ageekdaddy.com with a digital download of the video game Riders Republic for Xbox to giveaway. Have a blast skiing or snowboarding through iconic U.S. national parks like Yosemite and Zion in this video game. Not a fan of winter weather? You can also engage in mountain biking and wingsuit racing!

Jump into the Riders Republic massive multiplayer playground. On Xbox you can battle against more than 20 players online simultaneously! Compete in mass start races where you have to bump and grind your way to the finish line against other players that will have no issue with colliding into you if that means they will get the win. Plus, you can customize your character to highlight your own style to friends or show up the competition.

One lucky winner will be selected from all entrants. For a chance to win just complete the rafflecopter entries below before 11:59 pm ET on December 26, 2021. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to participate in this giveaway. Good luck and Merry Christmas!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

A Geek Daddy is a UbiStar brand ambassador. During the next year my kids and I will be doing video game reviews, sharing news and updates about the video game developer's family friendly focused products, and hosting giveaways. Come back throughout 2022 for Ubisoft highlights and promotions on ageekdaddy.com!

SURVIOS BLACK FRIDAY DEALS

Video game fans here is a Black Friday Deal you won't want to miss out on! Game developer Survios is having a fantastic sale on two of its recently released games. You can get the virtual reality game Puzzle Bobble 3D/VR: Vacation Odyssey for 30 percent off and Big Rumble Boxing for up to 50 percent off for a limited time.

I grew up watching the Rocky movies and have enjoyed the more recently released Creed films, so am geeked about Big Rumble Boxing incorporating these characters into this video game. Fight in a bought as Adonis Creed, Apollo Creed, Rocky Balboa, Clubber Lang, or Ivan Drago recreating favorite scenes from the movies or engaging in all new boxing matches. Plus there are a variety of other additional player characters to choose from too in Big Rumble Boxing. Are you ready to rumble?!!

Big Rumble Boxing: Creed Champions is 40 percent off for Playstation and Fifty percent off for Switch, Xbox, and PC via Steam for this Black Friday Sale. Take advantage of this deal by going to https://bigrumbleboxing.com/buy/

Bubble dragon brothers Bub and Bob are in for a surprise when their island vacation takes an unexpected turn for an epic, bubble-popping adventure in Puzzle Bobble 3D: Vacation Odyssey. Lovingly rendered avatars for Bub and Bob stay true to their iconic design—while a variety of bright, vibrantly animated environments bring the captivating world of Puzzle Bobble to life. 

• 100 New Puzzles: Brand new 3D puzzles with special bubbles and brain-teasing challenges 

• Fun for Everyone: Intuitive controls and limited movement offers a welcoming experience for all

 • Special Items: Activate fun power-ups with clever VR interactions to maximize your popping power 

• Cross-Reality: Play on a TV screen or a virtual reality headset, and switch between them whenever you want

 • Every PS4 or PSVR purchase of Puzzle Bobble 3D comes with a free upgrade to PS5!

Puzzle Bobble 3D: Vacation Odyssey is available at 30 percent off for a limited time on PS4, PS5, Oculus Quest, and Oculus Quest 2. To take advantage of this deal go to https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10002893/ for the Playstation editions and https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/3202625546470498 for Oculus VR headsets.

ARCADE FUN AT HOME

There was a video game arcade midway on the walk between my home and middle school. Every day after school you knew where all the kids in the neighborhood were. We'd all rush to be the first to get a spot in front of an arcade cabinet because in the late 80s you didn't play video games on your phone or television set. You played video games at an arcade! 

My twelve year old self dreamed of one day building a video arcade in my home. Fast forward to today and filling up space in your house with full-sized video game arcade cabinets may not seem as glamorous in the 21st Century as it did back then. Wow saying "21st Century" still seems so "futuristic" to me.  

That doesn't mean childish fantasies still can't come true. There are a variety of retro-style miniature arcade models available now that can let you imagine having your dream game room. From Super Impulse video games that let you hold an entire old school arcade in the palm of your hand to New Wave Toys carefully crafted sixth scale recreations of classic cabinets you can have lots of fun at home without taking up too much space or having you lose all your quarters.

Super Impulse TINY ARCADE are playable even though their cabinets are only 4x2 inches with a screen size less than 1.5 inches. Yet they provide complete gameplay with full color high res imagery and authentic game sounds within a back-lit arcade style cabinet. Choose from Burger Time, Q*Bert and Frogger among other hit arcade games of the '80s.

Plus they have tabletop versions too of games including Pac Man, Space Invaders and Galaga. Plus they have some newer arcade hits like Dance Dance Dance Revolution that you can show off your smooth moves with your fingers instead of feet. For those of us who moved on from arcades by playing an Atari game console at home Super Impulse has even recreated a tiny version of the 2600 that plays 10 games including Pac Man on a mini television set. How cool is that?!

Basic Fun! has a collection of Retro Mini Arcade Games ranging from Asteroids to Q*Bert that my kid have had a blast playing with. They especially had a good time during a family movie night where we played Fix it Felix before watching Ralph Breaks the Internet. My son used to take that handheld game with him and play it while waiting for his swimming lessons to begin. He was the envy of all the children around the pool at Goldfish Swim School.

Fix it Felix is a Walmart exclusive along with Rampage and Mortal Kombat. You can find others like Dig Dug, Frogger , Ms. Pac-Man and Space Invaders at Amazon, Target and Kohls. My kids really did have a mini arcade in their playroom as they were growing up with Pac-Man, Tetris, Frogger, Q*Bert and Fix it Felix Basic Fun! video games. While they still play them from time to time now they are twelve themselves they tend to spend more time on Animal Crossing and Fortnite. Things are so much different now from when I was twelve years old!

If you are looking for something that is both fun to play and looks good to display, check out the limited edition Replicades from New Wave Toys. These collectible sixth scale replicas of classic arcade cabinets are crafted so as that it seems you have a miniature of the original video games that can be shown off on a table or shelf. Not only do these look great but they duplicate the game play experience even though they are in a much smaller format.

I picked up Dragon's Lair and highlight it on a bookshelf in my home office. I probably spent as much in quarters playing this game at arcades during my youth as it cost me to buy the New Wave Toys Replicade version of Dragon's Lair. To be honest I sucked at the game when playing it at the arcade and am finally getting the hang of being decent at it now that I don't have to stick fifty cents into it every few minutes. 

Enjoying my Dragon's Lair Replicade, I'm adding another arcade game to my collection with 1943. I ordered this World War II fighter plane game awhile back and from recent reports it is now on a cargo ship crossing the Pacific Ocean to get to me. I spent hour after hour playing this game in arcades during my tween age years and am geeked to add it to my New Wave Toys collection. Maybe I will have that dream arcade in my home after all!

Other recent releases from New Wave Toys include 1942, Q*Bert and Missile Command. I'm hoping they come out with Golden Tee, Popeye and Out Run plus some realistic pinball miniatures in the future. If you see a Replicade release you are interested in, I highly recommend placing a preorder when you can because these sell out quick when they hit retail. They also have a USB charger device that you can plug your arcade games into, or other devices, to keep them powered up that looks like an arcade change making device and a neon carpet that glows when exposed to black light to give your Replicade display a retro vibe. 

Have yourself some great arcade fun at home with these miniature video games from Basic Fun, Super Impulse and New Wave Toys!

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USING TECH TO HAVE FUN WITH YOUR KIDS

Many of us are spending more time at home than usual and it brings both challenges and benefits for parents. Being at home affords more time with the kids but it can be difficult to keep children and teens entertained preventing them from moaning about boredom and having nothing to do. Here are some dad tips on how to use tech to have fun with your kids that will have them geeked about spending time around the house with mom and dad.

Augmented Reality

From allowing dinosaurs to jump out of the pages of books to providing instantaneous tutorials on solving a Rubik's Cube that is in the palm of your hand there are a lot of fun and interesting uses of Augmented Reality available through today's technology. Augmented Reality (AR) provides interactive opportunities that merge real world environments with digital effects to enhance or alter perceptions of reality. From playing with Baby Yoda in our family's living room to taking a virtual tour of the Alamo seeing the site as it existed during the famous battle for Texas independence, my kids have had numerous entertaining and educational AR experiences. Whether you want to get a close up 3D look at farm animals without visiting the countryside or interact with your favorite Star Wars characters there are numerous ways to have fun with your kids utilizing augmented reality.

Robotics

Interacting with robots used to be just a fantastic idea from sci fi stories. Now utilizing robots around the house is a reality. There are robotic toys that teach kids to code and other STEM skills. Drones that you can race through obstacle courses or use for taking photography. There are even robots that can help with household chores like cleaning your swimming pool or mowing the lawn. 

Movies and Music Streaming 

It’s great to be able to go out and catch a movie or book tickets to a gig, but you don’t have to fork out a fortune or drive for hours to have a good time. Movie and music fans can benefit from streaming services and TV and music subscriptions that provide access to endless programs, playlists and new releases. You can stream music from Amazon’s music services and enjoy your own at-home concert, watch movies with popcorn on a Saturday night and make sure you’re up to date with the TV shows that everyone is talking about. 

Speaking of home concerts, you could also consider investing in additional musical equipment for your setup so that you and your children can create your own live performances. Should you both enjoy playing guitar but want to add a drummer, then you can do so without seeking extra help. You can purchase a BeatBuddy (drummer pedal) from Singular Sound, which will help you enhance your music and no longer need to fuss about controlling a drumbeat during a live performance in your home own. You can simply tap your foot and create professional feels and transitions with minimal extra effort while having fun.

Listening to music can lift your mood and movie nights are a fantastic way to bring the family together and save money on frequent trips to the movie theater. You can even star in your very own television show on YouTube.

Gaming 

Gaming has become increasingly popular in the last 12 months as people look for fun ways to spend time at home and remotely socialize with friends. There are myriad options when it comes to playing games. You can play alone or as part of a team, you can challenge opponents, you can play online and you can use consoles or a PC. Technology now allows you to chat instantaneously with other players anywhere around the globe as part of game playing experiences. There are titles to suit adults and kids and you can team up to take on competitors or organize competitions between family members. Gaming provides a release and an escape from the real world and it’s an excellent way to engage with other people when you might not be able to see them face-to-face.

Exercise 

You might assume that exercise and home technology don’t go hand-in-hand but tech can actually play an integral role in helping people to be more active. You can use wearable technology to count steps and set targets for yourself and your children, you can work out at home using gym equipment or you can get involved with virtual workouts and sessions that are suitable for adults or the whole family. My kids participated in a virtual running challenge during the pandemic.

 Being active has advantages for all ages. As well as helping to boost heart health, lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity and build strength and stamina, exercise also has incredible benefits for mental wellbeing. Moving your body makes you feel good due to increased levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain and the release of endorphins, known as happy hormones.

Dads like myself from all over the world are spending more time at home than ever before. If you’re a dad on a mission to have as much fun as possible with your kids, taking advantage of tech is a great way to accomplish that goal. You can connect with friends and family, have dance parties, have epic video game competitions and get fit with the modern conveniences that today's technological advances provide us.