The top Google-searched games that are kid-appropriate—or not
Google recently released its list of top trending searches in the Philippines. The list acts as a chronicle of the newsworthy things that took place during this very interesting year.
As most Filipinos spent more time at home during the pandemic, categories such as education and video games emerged this year. It’s likely that the kids are into at least one of the multiplayer games popular with teenagers and adults alike. But is it safe for them? Here’s what you should know.
Among Us
Millions of teenagers have become hooked on Among Us, a multiplayer game where between four and 10 players are dropped onto an alien spaceship.
In the game, each player is designated a private role as a “crew mate” or “impostor.” Crew mates must run around the ship and try to complete a set of tasks while trying to avoid getting killed by several impostors. Players can be voted off the ship so each game becomes one of survival: Successfully vote off the impostors, or complete all your tasks to win. It’s simple and easy enough for a twelve-year-old to play on a mobile phone.
Back in 2018, the game received a 16+ age rating for strong violence from Pan European Game Information (PEGI), but it has since changed a 7+ age rating after a ratings audit revealed that the game was not nearly as gruesome or violent as initially believed.
Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact brings users into the colorful world of Teyvat, a beautiful realm where some mortals have elemental magic abilities. It opens with an animated cutscene in which a god captures a player’s twin. As one completes quests and dungeons, you will meet dozens of charismatic characters forming your adventuring party.
This game is rated PEGI 12 because it features depictions of non-realistic looking violence towards human-like characters. The VSC Rating Board expanded on this rating by stating that, “this game contains frequent depictions of non-realistic looking violence towards human-like characters."
It also said that the "impacts result in the appearance of bright lights and magical effects, with numbers showing the amount of damage that has been inflicted. Characters occasionally let out pained cries and stumble backwards, although no visible injuries are shown.”
Rules of Survival
If your kids play Fortnite in which 100 players battle only one is left standing, you may be familiar with Rules of Survival. Players play as one out of 120 unarmed players who get air dropped into a deserted island, but only the last one survives.
It’s important to note, however, that Rules of Survival is rated for players ages 17 years and older, due to the overtly violent aspect of the game.
Adorable Home
Adorable Home is a life simulation game where players can create their dream home, fill it with plants, furniture, and furry pets, and have a loving partner—all presented in a simple yet charming aesthetic. The game just found the right balance in its combination of pet collecting and home decoration.
According to Apple, this game is not intended for young children and may have some content that is inappropriate for children under the age of 13.