Bonding Through Online Games

Wizard101 is a multi-player adventure game and fun for kids and adults of all ages. We’re certainly proof of that.  And because the game is designed to encourage social activity and interaction among the players, it’s a great form of entertainment for families.

My son saw a commercial on Cartoon Network and asked if he could play the game.  Trying to be a responsible Mom, I did some research and checked out the game first. I quickly became satisfied with how the company protects kids within the game, what type of violence might be in the game and what the overall reviews from other players. When teachers are recommended the game, it can’t be all bad. But the more I researched, the more I was impressed with the approach KingsIsle Entertainment (creators of Wizard 101) take to provide a safe and fun game for kids.

Of course I kept an eye on him while he first started playing. It was long before he asked me to play with him. I figured he’d like that for a few short sessions, so ok. Pft…little did I know how addicting this game can become for adults too! We love playing together, battling monsters, achieving goals and sharing time together. If you’re familiar with the World of Warcraft, this game is similar, but with a little more help for kids and certainly ‘G’ rated.

As a Mom I love this game because of the many things it has taught my son. He began playing when he was 6 and he’s 9 as of this posting.

The game helped him with reading and gave him a great interest in reading stories outside the game. The dialog of game characters is displayed on the screen and kids can read along as the character recites the dialog.

It teaches kids focus and concentration. The game gives players multiple quests simultaneously and it’s important to remember which items are needed for which quests, where to go and what you need to do to succeed.

It teaches kids strategy. During battles with the monsters, players choose the weapons (in the form of spells) needed to defeat their opponents. Many times players must plan their moves  in advanced and in stages;  carefully choosing which cards to play and which order will provide the biggest ‘hit’.

Players receive rewards and find treasure throughout the game. Kids must learn how to save their gold/money in order to buy items at the local shops. It teaches them budgeting, saving and simple arithmetic.

Because it’s a kids game, it is loaded with parental controls. You can manage in-game chatting on varying levels. Which I really like. You can block your child from chatting with others, or allow them to chat but only with certain people, or give them open chat, but manage the language filters.

Forbes Magazine has several articles in their latest online issue concerning the online games from KingsIsle Entertainment that are worth a read. 

• How Wizard101 Became A Global Success
• Who Is Playing Wizard101
• Pirate101 Co-Creator Todd Coleman Details New Game And Talks Expansion

Because of our interest in playing, and in part because my son is getting older; he asked if we could create a blog for our game playing. Where we can document our experience, game guides and share what we’ve learned. I’m not sure why he wanted to do this. He has not asked if he can post on our new blog…yet. He recently learned that he has friends at school who play Wizard. I’m thinking his blogging interest is a combination of Mom & Dad blogging, and wanting to share what he knows with his friends.

What ever the reason, if you have kids or if you like to play online role-playing games check out our new blog:  Victoria Fireheart’s Keep!

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