WoW: Magic, Virtual/Fantasy World, Online
World of Warcraft, WoW, is a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. (MMORPG) The World of Warcraft is in some ways, like the Harry Potter Series. Deep Into Witchcraft, and Other Dark Magic.
Their blatant advertising tells you what they want your children for: “To join thousands of mighty heroes in Azeroth, a world of magic and limitless adventure.” It offers a vast virtual world filled with quests, exploration, and social interactions.
It is important to consider the potential dangers, especially for youth and children. Here’s an overview.
Dangers and Concerns:
Addiction: WoW is known for its highly immersive and addictive gameplay, which can lead to excessive screen time, neglect of responsibilities, and a potential impact on physical and mental well-being.
Inappropriate content: The game may contain mature themes, violence, and fantasy elements, including magic and supernatural elements, which may not be suitable for young or impressionable players.
Online interactions: As an online game, WoW involves interactions with other players, which can expose children to inappropriate language, cyberbullying, or even grooming by strangers.
Social isolation: Excessive time spent in the virtual world of WoW can lead to decreased social interactions and potential isolation from real-life activities and relationships.
Financial implications: WoW offers optional paid subscriptions and in-game purchases, which can result in children spending significant amounts of money without parental consent.
Parental Controls: WoW does offer some parental controls that allow parents to manage and monitor their child’s gameplay. These controls include setting playtime limits, restricting chat and communication features, and managing in-game purchases.
Note-Critics will correctly point out that WoW can provide social interaction, teamwork, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and even creative expression. This fosters their social skills, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Players are required to solve quests, puzzles, and strategize in battles.
Though, it might make sense to many parents, grandparents, and guardians, to not encourage this particular game. A game steeped in Magic, Fantasy, and the Supernatural, has consumed many of our youths, including my son.
Many of these game briefs, after revealing the concerns and dangers, we share how they are played, strategies, & objectives. Not with this particular game. There are many much healthier video games available, for parents, grandparents, and guardians to choose from:
1-Use the power of search engines. Verify thrice when you find suitable games. 2-Friends can be a great source. 3-Soon, we will have resources in this area. Our monthly updates will provide additional info on apps, games, and some of the safest games. 4-I like parenting’s and parents.com websites. https://www.parenting.com/activities/family-time/best-video-games Also, CommonSenseMedia.org has a strong focus on sharing relevant information. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-review. Click on these, seek others.
A quick story as summer beckons: We initiated a new family policy of 2 days a week without electronics for the whole summer. It worked. though they barked up a storm initially. The 2nd day of no electronics, they already determined to use the day productively. They realized there were many other activities that had stayed upstream, as they got caught in the video games and apps world downstream.
The bottom line is communication, connection, and add some fun, with your children. Additionally, parents can establish open communication with their child, discuss the game’s content, and establish guidelines for responsible gaming.
Series of Games: “World of Warcraft” is part of a long-running series that includes other games such as “Warcraft: Orcs & Humans,” “Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness,” and “Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos.” These games primarily focus on real-time strategy gameplay rather than the MMORPG format of WoW. (MMORPG-Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games)
Throughout this website, it is stated over and over: Seek Mental Health Specialists. Understand, Monitor, and Communicate with your children about these games and apps. Certain ones should not be played. Teach your children about the dangers of online games and apps.