A parent's guide to World of Warcraft for kids
Is WoW appropriate for children? While we're sure the inevitable trolls out there are already clicking straight to the comments to revile the very idea of allowing children into Azeroth, the fact is that with preparation and consistent parent moderation, WoW can be a fine fit for kids -- especially for families with parents who already spend time in Azeroth. It's definitely one of those cases in which your mileage may vary; parents who don't already play or who take a more hands-off approach to gaming will probably want to wait until their little goblins- or worgen-to-be are well into their teen years.
For players whose kids are itching to join in the family fun, though, there are plenty of ways to make World of Warcraft a productive, happy experience for kids, parents, and fellow players alike. Here's the thing: There's more to think about and more ways to throttle age-related issues than simply turning off trade chat and forbidding PUGs before walking into the other room to watch TV. We'll show you how to find the best fit for WoW with kids, teens, and even parents themselves.
Lay the groundwork
A parents'-eye view of WoW | |
Log in to your kid's interest in gaming | |
The family that groups together ... | |
17 internet safety basics for gaming families |
Keep it all on track
Kidproofing an MMO | |
Mind your massively multiplayer manners | |
Does video game violence provoke aggression in kids? | |
What exactly is a "family-friendly" guild? |
Help kids strike a balance
The 10-step back-to-school gaming tuneup | |
Screening screen time | |
Is your teen ready for MMO raiding? | |
Teens: How to lobby your parents for more gaming time | |
Putting a leash on playtimes for younger players | |
How to customize and opt out of Real ID | |
When enough is enough |
WoW for parents and partners, too
Finding time to game during the family years | |
Balancing games with all the rest |