Tips for parents before checking out a video game

Don't Buy Blind: The Power of PEGI/ESRB

The most common mistake is to buy a video game based solely on a child's insistence ("All my friends play it!") or on the cover.

The first and easiest advice is to check the age rating system.

In Europe, the PEGI (Pan European Game Information) system is used; in America, the ESRB.

These systems do not measure the "difficulty" of the game, but the suitability of the content.

The PEGI ratings (3, 7, 12, 16, 18) are clear.

But more important are the content descriptors (the little icons on the box): a fist (Violence), a spider (Fear), a syringe (Drugs), swear symbols (Foul Language) or dice (Gambling).

A PEGI 12 game with a violence icon is not the same as a PEGI 12 game with a fear icon.

This allows parents to make an informed decision about what type of content they are buying.

Going Beyond the Rating (Online Content)

The PEGI rating has a limitation: it warns about it with the descriptor "Online Game", but cannot rate interactions.

A PEGI 7 game (like Roblox or Fortnite in its aesthetics) may be childish in its base content, but it exposes the child to voice or text chat with adult strangers, where foul language, harassment (griefing) or grooming are a real risk.

Therefore, the second tip is to investigate the online component.

Does the game have open voice chat, can it be turned off, and can it be played alone with friends? Parents should look for reviews of the game on specialized portals (such as Common Sense Media) that analyze not only the content, but also community interactions and privacy.

The Hidden Mechanics: In-Game Purchases and Addiction

The third tip is to analyze monetization mechanics. Many "free-to-play" games are the most dangerous to the pocketbook and mental health.

Parents should investigate whether the game includes "in-game purchases".

Is it possible to advance without paying? And, above all, does it include "loot boxes"? These boxes are gambling (chance) mechanics designed to be addictive, and have been linked to the development of pathological gambling in minors.

Before purchasing (or downloading for free) a game, the parent