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Video games are always the “cool stuff” for kids, right? But for their parents? Well, not so much! Look around at how times have changed. Back in the day, playing a video game meant visiting an arcade or having access to a computer. Such frictions, no matter what, kept one from feeling overwhelmed. Fast forward to 2024. One can play video games on any screen. There are never-ending titles to choose from. Some can also be played for free. But there’s a rub. Leading game developers are working with psychologists to hack players’ minds for longer gameplay and more spending. Similar to the multi-billion food industry relying on extra salt and sugar to tickle young tastebuds. For parents wanting to keep their children safe in this digital era, it’s more challenging than ever. From managing long exposure to screens to navigating the dangers online, the struggle is real. What matters is understanding your “gamer” child’s emotional impulses and why they fall for video games every time. Why Your Child Is Hooked to Video Games It’s normal for parents to think their children are “having a fun time”playing video games. But that’s barely scratching the surface for the real reason. The truth is that this young generation that proudly calls itself “Gen Z” is a victim of a lesser-understood epidemic— loneliness. Children born between 1997 and 2012 qualify as GenZ’s class crowd. Inarguably, it’s the most ethnically diverse generation that America has ever seen. The youngest in this group is no more than 12 years old, and the oldest will be in their 20s by 2024. The majority are K-12 students, also known as Zoomers or iGeneration. It’s quite an enduring label for the first generation ever with constant access to portable technology. Yet studies reveal this “bright generation” is miles behind when it comes to creating genuine human connections. Research shows over 70% of Gen Z people feel alone most of the time. Another 30% are unsure how to make friends at school or college. So, beyond filter-powered selfies and questionable Instagram bios, these young minds feel powerful when armed with joysticks. Video games, especially the multiplayer ones, are now a comforting avenue for young lads seeking companionship and happiness. Exploring the Thin Line Between “Disorder” and “Addiction” Gaming addiction is a reality, but it’s the terminologies where things get tricky. Reportedly, WHO added the term “gaming disorder” to their 2018 version of the medical reference book, “International Classification of Diseases.” The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) calls it “Internet Gaming Disorder” (IGD). Interestingly, IGD belongs to the same section that lists problematic patterns like caffeine use disorder. The DSM-5-TR also highlights substance-related addictive disorders, like alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, stimulants, and opioids. As opposed to chemical use disorders, gambling disorder is the only behavioral addiction listed in DSM-5-TR. Further, the manual notes that before a condition is called IGD, it must cause “significant impairment or distress.” This idea is limited to a child’s excessive love for video games minus the general internet use. Symptoms of IGD are identified as: Preoccupation with gaming Withdrawal symptoms in the absence of gaming, like sadness, anxiety, and irritability Low tolerance toward non-gaming hours Failure to reduce playing Unsuccessful in quitting gaming Gaming leading to a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities Deceiving family members about the hours spent on gaming Using gaming as a way to fight negative thoughts, like guilt or hopelessness Landing in jeopardy in a relationship or job due to excessive gaming These symptoms are applicable to any individual, irrespective of their age, whether playing a game alone or with others. With 90% of American children older than two years playing video games, there’s no denying the scale of addiction. The ongoing video game addiction lawsuit shows the very extent to which a parent is concerned. Over the past couple of years, multiple cases have been filed against gaming giants like Activision Blizzard, Epic Games, Microsoft, Roblox, Nintendo, and Sony Interactive Entertainment. The plaintiffs claimed that the companies worked with behavioral neuroscientists to target young minds. They believe these games have been purposely designed to keep people occupied and spend hundreds of dollars. According to TorHoerman Law, popular titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty are accused of using predatory techniques to push compulsive gaming. If a child shows signs of emotional instability due to addictive gameplay, parents can always claim compensation. Practical Tips for Parents to Set Up Healthy Boundaries As parents, you can do a lot to keep your child safe from addictive gameplay. It starts with fostering an open dialogue about any problem your child might be hiding or is upset about. Here are some tips to consider. Set Clear Screen Time Limits: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an hour of screen time for children aged between two and five. For older children, recreational screen time should be limited to a couple of hours. Using parental control apps can help. Encourage them to go outside: There’s nothing like spending time under the warm sun, right? As parents, you must encourage your children to play outside. Doing so will help offset the hours they devote to video gameplay. Chalk out a no-tech zone: Identify a particular zone within your house, like dining rooms or bedrooms. Make sure no one uses any tech or gadget there. This will reduce the time your child spends playing games on smartphones and other devices. Try to be a role model: Children always mimic adults. So, why not be a good role model? Demonstrate a healthy habit of keeping away your devices (laptops and smartphones) after a particular hour of the day. Let your children pick up on your footsteps and plug off their devices soon. Addictive game design will always be a burning concern. And there’s no separating Gen Z children from video games. However, parents can always help by setting healthy boundaries. That way, they will be a step ahead in understanding a child’s impulse, which is the need of the hour.   The post Digital Age Parenting: Understanding Your “Gamer” Child appeared first on Old School Gamer Magazine.

In today’s digital age, internet access has become a central part of many activities, including gaming. However, we often find ourselves in situations where access to WiFi is limited or non-existent. Whether you’re on a long flight, traveling through remote areas, or dealing with network issues at home, the need for entertainment still exists. That’s where no WiFi games come in handy. These offline games provide endless hours of fun without relying on internet connections. In this article, we will explore a wide variety of no WiFi games, covering different genres and styles. We’ll also discuss the importance of having offline games available and give you some recommendations that work without an internet connection. The Appeal of Offline Games Many modern games rely heavily on internet connections for multiplayer features, regular updates, or content streaming. While these games are undoubtedly popular, there’s still a place for games that can be played offline. Offline games offer a host of benefits, including: Availability: No WiFi games can be played anywhere, even in areas where internet access is spotty or unavailable. No Data Consumption: Since these games don’t require an internet connection, they won’t consume any mobile data, which can be especially useful for those with limited data plans. Battery Efficiency: Offline games often use less battery power because they don’t constantly require data transmission and reception, allowing for longer play sessions. Top No WiFi Games for 2024 There are numerous no WiFi games available across different platforms and genres. Below are some of the top games you can enjoy without an internet connection. Whether you like puzzles, strategy, or action-packed adventures, there’s something for everyone. 1. Alto’s Odyssey One of the most popular endless runner games, Alto’s Odyssey takes you on a visually stunning journey across vast desert landscapes. With no need for an internet connection, this game is perfect for those long trips when you need a moment of escape. Genre: Endless Runner Platforms: iOS, Android Features: Beautiful, dynamic environments, easy-to-learn controls, and a calming soundtrack. The simplicity of Alto’s Odyssey makes it perfect for quick gaming sessions, but its immersive world ensures you’ll want to play for hours. The dynamic weather and landscape variations keep the experience fresh every time you play. 2. Minecraft: Pocket Edition Minecraft’s Pocket Edition brings the magic of its blocky world-building gameplay to mobile devices, and the best part is, it’s playable offline. Players can mine resources, craft items, and build elaborate structures without needing an internet connection. Genre: Sandbox/Survival Platforms: iOS, Android Features: Open-world sandbox, creative and survival modes, multiplayer options when online. Minecraft allows players to explore their creativity and build whatever they can imagine. With its offline capabilities, you can lose yourself in a world of endless possibilities, building towns, castles, or entire ecosystems—all without WiFi.  3. Monument Valley 2 Monument Valley 2 is a visually striking puzzle game that continues the mind-bending, surreal experiences of its predecessor. The game involves guiding characters through intricate architectural landscapes, manipulating environments to unlock new paths. Genre: Puzzle Platforms: iOS, Android Features: Elegant, minimalist design, creative puzzles, emotional narrative. For fans of puzzles and beautiful game design, Monument Valley 2 is a must-play. Its artistic levels offer an experience that is both mentally stimulating and aesthetically pleasing, with challenging puzzles that reward patience and attention to detail. 4. Plague Inc. In Plague Inc., players are tasked with creating and evolving a deadly pathogen, to wipe out humanity before a cure is found. The game’s offline mode allows for hours of strategic gameplay even without WiFi. Genre: Strategy/Simulation Platforms: iOS, Android Features: Complex strategies, real-world scenarios, multiple pathogen types to evolve. This game combines strategic thinking with real-world simulations, creating an engaging and thought-provoking experience. Plague Inc. challenges you to think critically and adapt your strategy to outsmart humanity’s defenses. 5. Asphalt 9: Legends For racing game enthusiasts, Asphalt 9: Legends is one of the best offline options. It offers high-speed racing action with stunning graphics and a variety of cars to choose from. Players can enjoy thrilling races even when they don’t have access to the internet. Genre: Racing Platforms: iOS, Android Features: High-octane races, realistic car physics, and dynamic weather effects. Asphalt 9 lets you experience high-speed thrills and challenges you to improve your driving skills as you race against AI opponents in its offline mode.  6. Stardew Valley If you prefer simulation and farming games, Stardew Valley is a fantastic offline game. You can manage your own farm, tend to crops, raise animals, and interact with the residents of the charming Pelican Town. Genre: Simulation/Role-playing Platforms: iOS, Android, PC Features: Farming simulation, social interaction, customization, and exploration. This game offers a relaxing and immersive experience. With its offline capability, you can focus on growing your farm, engaging with NPCs, and completing various in-game tasks at your own pace, even when WiFi isn’t available. 7. LIMBO LIMBO is a critically acclaimed puzzle-platformer with a dark, eerie atmosphere. In this game, players control a young boy who is navigating a mysterious and dangerous world. Its minimalist art style and atmospheric sound design make it an unforgettable experience. Genre: Puzzle-platformer Platforms: iOS, Android, PC Features: Atmospheric visuals, challenging puzzles, intuitive controls. LIMBO is perfect for players who appreciate artistic game design and engaging, thought-provoking puzzles. Its simple mechanics and deep atmosphere ensure that every playthrough is unique.   Why Offline Games Matter in 2024 In a world where constant connectivity is the norm, offline games provide a much-needed break from the online world. Here’s why they remain relevant and essential, especially in 2024: 1. Uninterrupted Fun Offline games ensure that your entertainment is never interrupted by slow connections, data caps, or WiFi dropouts. This is particularly important during travel or in regions with limited internet access. 2. Reducing Screen Time Distractions One of the main advantages of offline gaming is the reduction of distractions. With no notifications or online pop-ups, players can immerse themselves fully in the game without being pulled away by other apps or messages. 3. Ideal for Areas with Poor Connectivity For players in rural or remote areas, or during long flights where connectivity is spotty or non-existent, having games that don’t rely on WiFi can make a huge difference. This accessibility makes offline gaming an indispensable option for many. 4. Preserving Mobile Data Many users have limited data plans, and playing online games can quickly eat into those allowances. No WiFi games let you conserve data while still enjoying high-quality entertainment. How to Choose the Right No WiFi Game With so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which offline game is right for you. Here are a few things to consider: 1. Type of Game Whether you prefer puzzles, racing, or strategy games, consider your gaming preferences when choosing an offline game. Each genre offers different experiences and can cater to various moods and playstyles. 2. Storage Space Offline games vary in size, and some can take up significant storage on your device. Make sure to check the game’s file size and ensure that you have enough space before downloading. 3. Replayability Some offline games offer endless replayability, while others are more linear in nature. If you’re looking for a game that you can keep coming back to, consider those that offer multiple levels, modes, or open-ended gameplay. FAQs about No WiFi Games Q1: What are the best no WiFi games for mobile devices? Some of the best no WiFi games include Alto’s Odyssey, Minecraft: Pocket Edition, Monument Valley 2, Plague Inc., Asphalt 9: Legends, Stardew Valley, and LIMBO. Q2: Are there any multiplayer games that don’t need WiFi? Most multiplayer games require an internet connection to link players, but some games offer local multiplayer features that can be used via Bluetooth or WiFi Direct. These games allow friends to play together without a global connection. Q3: Can no WiFi games be updated without an internet connection? While you can play the game offline, any updates or additional content for no WiFi games will require an internet connection to download. Q4: Do no WiFi games drain battery life? Offline games generally use less battery power than online games because they don’t require constant data exchange. However, battery usage depends on the specific game and how graphically intensive it is. Q5: Are no WiFi games free? Many no WiFi games are free to download, but some may offer in-app purchases or premium versions. Always check the game’s details before downloading to see if there are any costs involved. Conclusion No WiFi games provide a great way to stay entertained even when you don’t have access to the internet. Whether you prefer action-packed adventures, immersive puzzles, or relaxing simulations, there’s a game for every type of player. With a wide variety of genres to choose from and the convenience of offline play, these games ensure that you’ll always have a way to pass the time, no matter where you are. The post No WiFi Games: Entertainment Anytime, Anywhere appeared first on Old School Gamer Magazine.

Download Toolkit: https://github.com/DerekPascarella/VMU-Disc-Builder These days, we have many options for transferring save files to or from our VMUs and computers. For instance, a cheap serial SD card reader is readily available on Amazon that works wonderfully with DreamShell. Additionally, the VM2 and upcoming VMU Pro from 8BitMods make this sort of task a breeze thanks […]

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