The Most Fun Thing. Ever.

Video Games FTW (For the Win)

If you're not familiar with the FTW, do check out our acronyms list.

Video games have hit mainstream with popular games like Pokemon Go, Angry Birds, Bejeweled, Super Mario Brothers, Warcraft, Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty, which all have a massive following. Angry birds alone has over 100,000,000 downloads. Many games nowadays are social and mobile; you can play with your friends.

No doubt we may have realised video games like any other activity can become addicting. Although, sometimes if you’re highly focused in an activity; it may come across as being addicted. Imagine being so engrossed in trying to finish a level, race or unlock a trophy/achievement that you’re “in the zone” (being highly focused). At that point you’re not really going to be paying attention to anything else.

If you have kids and you notice their grades are dropping substantially or they are more withdrawn, then parents are encouraged to provide more guidance and take a more active role. Also, you may want to talk with your doctor as it could be a symptom of a much larger issue (depression, cyberbullying etc.)

Online games have certain risks but there are steps you can take to minimise them:

1. Do not share personal information. This includes home address, phone number, age, ID number etc. Remember in-game chats are basically online chatrooms.
2. Do not download pirated copies or cheats.  These downloads frequently contain malware, viruses and spyware. You risk infecting your device and being blocked from the service provider’s server.
3. Be cautious of unofficial sellers offering in-game content: characters, items etc.
4. Understand the risks of downloading “free” games and apps. Some free games/apps sell your personal information.

A safe gaming experience is more likely if you can take the following steps:

1. Use genuine software only. Do not use unofficial or “cracked” copies of the game.
2. Buy or download games from authorised or trusted sources only.
3. Carefully pick a username without your personal information.
4. Use a strong password. Keep your recovery information updated
5. Use Anti-virus and Anti-Malware programs. Keep it updated regularly
6. Be aware of Phishing attempts. If it’s too good to be true… there’s usually something fishy.
7. Set guidelines.  If you have kids, make sure they know the guidelines for playing online.

Are you a Console, PC or Mobile Gamer? Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo fan?  Let us know who you're rooting for in the console wars below. Or are you just a Social Gamer?