Get up to speed with our short guide to the most popular online games.
Online gaming is one of the most popular hobbies for Irish children.
Parents and carers need to be aware that when their child is gaming online there is a chance they could be playing with someone older than them.
While age restrictions for each game vary, most are easy for kids to get past by registering as older than they are.
Alarming as that may feel, it’s important that parents know about the most popular online games at the moment.
Here we’ve broken down four of the biggest online games of the moment to get you started.
Remember to ask your child about the games they enjoy playing online so you’re aware of the risks.
Fortnite
What is Fortnite?
Fortnite is an online game with four distinct game modes that allow gamers to either compete to be the last person standing or just hang out with friends. As of May 2020, it has an estimated 350 million registered accounts. It is one of the most-watched games on the video-streaming platform Twitch.
- An online survival game where players compete to be the last person standing.
- Other game modes available including one where friends can hang out together.
- Available via their app, website and various gaming consoles.
- Live unmoderated chat function on PC and gaming consoles. Can be switched off in privacy settings.
- Free but with in-app purchases.
- Age recommendation is 13+.
Minecraft
What is Minecraft?
Minecraft is a game that lets you build and create a virtual world using building blocks. Players explore a blocky, world with infinite terrain, and can discover and extract raw materials, craft tools and items. It is one of the most-watched games on Twitch alongside Fortnite.
- An online creative game where players build and craft using 3D blocks.
- Other game modes available including one where friends can hang out together.
- Available via their app, website and various gaming consoles.
- Live unmoderated chat function on PC and gaming consoles. Can be switched off in privacy settings.
- Cost varies depending on where it’s being played. In-app purchases.
- Age recommendation ranges from 7+ to 13+ depending on game mode.
Among Us
What is Among Us?
Among us is a deception game that takes place on a spaceship. Players must figure out which one of them is the imposter. You must have between 4 to 10 people to play in a group.
- An online deception game where players try to figure out who the imposter is.
- Games can be public or private.
- Available via their app and website.
- Text-based chat function that is used in-game when discussing who the imposter is.
- Free to play but in-app purchases.
- Age recommendation is 7+.
Roblox
What is Roblox?
Roblox is an online gaming platform described as ‘for gamers by gamers’ with millions of user-generated games. Players create their own avatar to make their own games or play the games already there. It has become increasingly popular over the past year.
- An online video game portal that lets users create their avatar, develop their own games and play others.
- Players have their own profiles where they can post, display who their friends are and track the games they’ve played.
- Available via their app, website and on gaming consoles.
- Players can chat privately with anyone via the chat function or publicly.
- Free to play but with in-app purchases.
- Players must be over 18 years of age. Otherwise, their parent or guardian must consent to Roblox’s terms of service.
