This is a question I get asked a lot by friends. Many of them are casual gamers but have kids that like to game too. As you know, not all games that we like are suitable for kids, so which ones are and which ones are great for family bonding? From my experience with my son, there are only a few games that I can say we both enjoy and that we both can play together and have fun. However, there is one game that will always be number one with us. Minecraft.
This is my number one answer. There was a long time where I had no idea what the heck you were supposed to be doing in Minecraft or why I should even play it. My son got into it way before I did (at a young age) and would tell me all about what he could do in it an what he had built. He bought a ton of books for the game and because he was so interested in it, curiosity got the best of me and I started playing it with him.
After about a year and many hours of co-op play, I’ve come to understand basically what Minecraft is about. I still spend a few hours a week playing this with my son. We build forts, mine ridiculously deep caverns, and even spend time just taunting creepers and zombies. He even shows me new things about the game that I’ll just never understand. Though the game isn’t exactly what I’d call action packed or exciting to the average viewer, it’s what we do while we play that makes it especially worthwhile.
When we play Minecraft, we actually talk to each other. We talk about what’s been going on in my son’s life, his friends, how school is, and if there’s anything that might be troubling him. It’s a father-son bonding moment where it’s just me and him talking about whatever is on our minds.
You can probably do this with any game, but for me Minecraft has become a special game that has helped keep my son and I close. It’s a way for me to stay more involved with his life. Of course yes, we do do other things together that aren’t video game related, but this is just one of the hobbies we have in common.
With that said, I’m curious to know what games do you guys play with your kids and why? Do they hold a special significance to you or are they just fun games you enjoy playing with each other?
The Gamer With Kids 
My six year old is beyond obsessed with Minecraft, but I myself haven’t really played it with him (mostly because we only have one controller for the PS4. Blasphemy, I know!).
Instead, now that he’s getting better with reading, I’ll let him make his own character in World of Warcraft and I’ll help him potter around in the newbie zones or at the Darkmoon Faire. It’s been quite a pleasant experience watching him get such a thrill out of all the little things that I don’t even notice any more. It definitely puts a smile on my face.
It took me a while before I bought that second controller. Those things aren’t cheap but I got one on sale last year so I was happy about that. I’m currently now also trying some Diablo 3 with my son too.
My younger sister often play Minecraft when she’s at leisure. She started once being 14 years old. This year, she is 18, and I realize that she is still fond of the game. She has incredibly built unfinished castle. I see that it is very impressive!