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If you’re a parent reading this article who has little to no experience gaming, but want to keep up on the subject good on ya! Many parents these days are becoming more and more concerned with the video games that their children play. Sure, the usual offenders are ever present: blood, violence suggestive themes. But perhaps the most alarming feature of games that sends up the red flags is the ever increasing inclusion of online gameplay elements. Not too long ago, all you had to worry about was if the actual content of the game was suitable or not. However in some of today’s most popular games, the game and its content are only two-thirds of the equation. The other third is the fraction that can either make a game great, or totally ruin the play experience, the online community.

The community surrounding a game can make a player feel so discouraged that they want to give up. I’ve been trying to get into League of Legends. I’ve always thought the concept of a MOBA was fun, but I was just terrible at them. Unfortunately LoL suffers from the same elitest complex that most online games do. If you’re not doing

well, it’s pointed out to you, and typically using foul language and attacking you as a person, not as a player. When I first jumped into League of Legends, this is exactly what happened to me. Now, I like to think I’m a pretty secure guy, but to get berated like that while I was clearly not doing so good in the game (which should be expected as I’m new to it…n00b), it took the wind out of my sails. This game that I had heard everyone talk about, and that I was really excited to get involved in just knocked me down. It was like I was the new kid in school and not only did nobody want to sit by me at lunch, but I also had tater-tots shoved down my pants.

I know that many people out there can simply brush these things off without concern, but many more cannot. Especially kids. So how do we combat it? Parents want to make sure that their child is having fun, but being safe as well. Gamers of all kinds want to have fun and be encouraged to try new things. The remedy for this is simple. Instead of setting yourself apart only to get a mushy tater-butt, you find friends. In any social setting, gaming not withstanding, it is always better if you’re enjoying it with like minded individuals. Gaming communities like Gamers Trust offer these safe havens for folks of all ages to come play a game that they enjoy, and not be shot down. If you’re new to a game, you might want to spend some time on the message forums off the game’s website. See if there are any Clans or Guilds that you think would be suitable for you. If you’re just starting try and find one that caters to all types of player. I’d also recommend staying away from any that say ‘hardcore’ anywhere in the description for now.

I always encourage parents to check around within their real-life social circles as well. Do you know anyone that plays the game? A friend, sibling, cousin of the child? Anyone that you can inquire about a fun place to point your child towards. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t allow them to play if you don’t know them in real life, but it’s a nice place to start. Even Guilds/Clans that you find soley online are often very upfront on what kind of atmosphere they provide. Especially if it is to be a family friendly one.

It doesn’t matter if you want a safe place for your child, a fun and pressure free place for yourself, or just an atmosphere free of all the whining and drama. You can achieve these goals and make friends by finding a group that you’ll enjoy. It doesn’t have to be Gamers Trust, but we’d love to have you should you decide it is.