Welcome to GamerDad: Gaming with Children. My name is Andrew S. Bub - the GamerDad - and I've been writing about videogames, movies, and children for over 15 years now. After working as a magazine journalist, I switched gears to write about how media violence affects children, educating parents about them, and working closely with magazines, newspapers, major retailers and even politicians. GamerDad is an internationally recognized expert in this field. Games, movies and media are fun, kids and families love them, they aren't going away. So join me in cutting through the hype and lets have a real conversation about the things that matter: Video Games, Violent Media, and their supposed effect on children and families.
Welcome to GamerDad: Gaming with Children. My name is Andrew S. Bub - the GamerDad - and I've been writing about videogames, movies, and children for over 15 years now. After working as a magazine journalist, I switched gears to write about how media violence affects children, educating parents about them, and working closely with magazines, newspapers, major retailers and even politicians. GamerDad is an internationally recognized expert in this field. Games, movies and media are fun, kids and families love them, they aren't going away. So join me in cutting through the hype and lets have a real conversation about the things that matter: Video Games, Violent Media, and their supposed effect on children and families.
The PAX Files: Day 2
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Posted on September 7th, 2010 by
On Day 2 of PAX, I was able to check out more games than the first day. I visited big company booths like Nintendo, Sega, Square-Enix, and Valve, as well as smaller companies with big surprises in store, too!
The PAX Files: Day 1
Posted on September 7th, 2010 by
PAX, or Penny Arcade Expo, is a gaming convention for the public started by the guys who created the Penny Arcade Web comic. Gamers get together to share their favorite hobby with others, and video game companies show off their upcoming releases. Join me on the first day of PAX as I round up some games and even look for ghosts in Seattle!
Battlefield: Bad Company – Reader Review
Posted on September 7th, 2010 by
Reader reviews are from readers here at GamerDad. Many of them are written by kids under 15 and that makes them a valuable insight into how kids really think about games. So, without further ado, here’s Vincent’s (13) take on this Mature Teen rated wargame:
GenCon 2010 Boardgames: Co-ops, Deck building, and Civs – Oh My!
Posted on September 6th, 2010 by
The GenCon gaming convention was once again held in the Indianapolis Convention Center this past August. I’ve already reported on some of the role playing news so I thought I’d give an update on the state of the boardgaming industry. As usual, most big name publishers and many smaller ones set up shop in the main dealer hall to show off their newest and upcoming games. Games of all sorts were on display, but many of the games that made the biggest splash at the convention fell into one of three categories: cooperative games, where players primarily cooperate to defeat the game; deck building games, where players expand and refine a deck of cards as they use that same deck in play; and civilization building games, where players attempt to build up a small civilization and all that includes.
State of the Heart
Posted on September 2nd, 2010 by
It was 3 years ago today that my heart stopped working. Fittingly, I was playing a video game when it happened (despite Jack Thompson’s casual accusation that a lifetime of video games was the cause; it’s genetic actually). The game was Marvel Ultimate Alliance and during the heart attack I was smoking a cigarette (after 18 years of trying to quit, this did it – seriously, don’t start). See, it didn’t feel like a heart attack.
Mafia II
Posted on August 30th, 2010 by
The Mafia doesn’t exist, at least according to the Mafia it doesn’t, but game developers know different. Between the first Mafia, circa almost a decade ago, and the sequel, are games like The Godfather, Scarface and more, all built on Grand Theft Auto’s sandbox city concept. (What this means is that your character and the story take place in a virtual city where, dotted all over the landscape, missions and side missions abound.) Mafia I took us back to the roaring 20’s and prohibition. Mafia II brings the 40’s and 50’s to life and does that with style and panache, if not a few noticeable flaws.
Sam & Max Season 3: The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 5: The City That Dares Not Sleep (PC, PS3, iPad)
Posted on August 30th, 2010 by
Sam & Max aren’t your regular police force…they’re the Freelance Police. Sam is a no-nonsense dog detective and his pal Max is a hyperkinetic rabbity thing. For more than 20 years they’ve been serving their brand of justice on the pages of underground comic books, on a Saturday morning cartoon, and in some popular computer adventure games. Now they’re ready for their third season of crazy madcap episodic point and click adventures! (PC version reviewed here)
Wevenge of the Wed Wing
Posted on August 28th, 2010 by
It’s just a hodgepodge blog this week, folks. Click to read more of my thoughts on Ys Seven, my second red ring, and PAX.
Game Review: Gunblade NY & LA Machineguns Arcade Hits Pack (Wii)
Posted on August 26th, 2010 by
Shoot your way down memory lane with two of Sega’s classic arcade light gun games. Gunblade NY and LA Machineguns are now on one Wii Arcade Hits Pack. Use the remote to aim at the screen and fire at enemy targets. It’s as simple as that.
Disney Sing It: Family Hits
Posted on August 23rd, 2010 by
When I had babies, I refused to play children’s music for them. If it wasn’t on television – The Wiggles, etc., – they didn’t hear it. Instead I gave them a steady diet of mild/pop/rap, some classic rock and a huge helping of Beatles. The closest I got to kiddie fare was the kind that wins Oscars. Disney signature pile of hits fit the bill and here it is, in karaoke form!
