BCPL Video Game Resources
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Video Game Resources.
Awards, Ratings and Reviews
Common Sense Media
A non-profit, non-partisan organization providing information for families on
video games including content ratings and reviews. Books, movies, music, TV, and
websites are also covered.
Entertainment Software Rating Board
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is a self-regulatory body
established in 1994 by the Entertainment Software Association. ESRB
independently applies and enforces ratings, advertising guidelines, and online
privacy principles adopted by the industry. The ESRB rates over 1,000 games per
year and the ratings and descriptors are designed to help consumers make
informed purchasing decisions.
ESRB Game Ratings and
Descriptor Guide
Learn about the ESRB ratings for video games. Includes age level and content,
amount of violence, drug references, language, nudity, and sexual themes.
iParenting
Media Awards
Helpful in determining the best video games
for children. Also reviews children's books, videos, DVDs, toys, furniture, baby
products, maternity clothing and more
MediaWise
Video and Computer Game Report Card
Issued yearly, the MediaWise Report Card is provided by the National Institute
on Media and the Family, an independent, non-partisan, non-sectarian, non-profit
organization. Includes video games to avoid as well as recommendations of
family friendly video games.
Parents' Choice
Video Game Awards
The Parents’ Choice Foundation searches out and recommends age appropriate video
games for children. Also rates children’s books, magazines, movies, TV, software and websites.
Parents Television Council Video Game Reviews and Awards
Includes video game reviews designed to guide parents through the process of
selecting appropriate entertainment for children and teens.
Educational Benefits of Video Games
Good
Side of Video Games
Collection of articles and websites with information on the benefits of video
games. Also contains video game reviews, previews of upcoming games, and list of
Christian game developers and companies provided by Family Friendly Gaming.
International Journal of
Computer Game Research
Detailed article on scientific research of children and video games.
Media Awareness Network (MNet)
Examines parent's concerns about video games and offers advice on managing media
use in the home, tips for
talking to kids about video games, and special issues concerning girls and video
games.
PBS
Information on video games and how to make the most of them by emphasizing the
social aspect of video games, helping children to set limits on playing time,
and talking to your children about video games and video game content.
Parental Controls and Devices
Family Settings for
Xbox
Information on Family Settings for Xbox that allow you to regulate the games
your kids enjoy. Includes ESRB ratings and Healthy Gaming Tips section from
Microsoft.
How
to Limit Video Game Playtime
Advice on when and how to limit your child's video game playing time from Parent
Center.
PlayLimit
Product that provides a simple solution for setting limits on the amount of time
your kids spend playing video games and watching TV.
Time Scout
An easy to use device designed to limit the amount of time children spend in
front of the screen.
Strategies, Cheat Codes, Demos and Screen Shots
Computer and Video
Games
Previews of new games, reviews, features, interviews, competitions, game codes,
strategies and forums.
GameRankings
Game rankings, recommendations, previews, codes, and member reviews.
Game Revolution
Game reviews, screen shots, previews, game codes, and member reviews.
GameSpot
Video game news, reviews, previews, codes, and game FAQs.
GameSpy
Game reviews, codes, strategies, forums, previews and release dates for new
games.
Video Game and Online Safety
Netsmartz Workshop
Keeping kids and teens safer on the Internet provided by the National Center for
Missing & Exploited Children and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Protect
Your Family Online
Helps to equip kids with the skills and information they need to be safer
online.
WiredSafety
Provides information about filtering and blocking, quizzes, games, articles,
curricula, teaching modules, links, tips and checklists on all aspects of online
safety for kids and adults.
This page is provided by the Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, Maryland USA.
The text version of this page was last revised on
15 July 2009.
The graphics version of this page was last revised on
15 July 2009.
You are welcome to provide feedback.