Play by your own rules
Some children not only use games to pass the time, but also reprogramme them. Often with astonishingly creative results.
Gaming is an irritating topic in many families: arguments arise about how long it is allowed to play, which games are included and why the children are passing the time with such pointless stuff in the first place. These discussions are tedious, but necessary and important in terms of media education. Simply closing the door to the children's room so that you can't hear «the enthusiasm» is not a solution.
I would like to take a closer look at the question of the meaningfulness of games. Because it's worth taking a look at the scene. It never ceases to amaze me what gamers do with their games.
When the actual game objectives are switched off
On the one hand, there is the creative use of the game mechanics, which are utilised in a completely different way than the programmers intended. However, it becomes even more exciting when certain specifications are completely ignored.
Particularly in games with a so-called physics engine - i.e. programming that physically correctly simulates gravity or the interaction of objects, for example - you can see amazing examples. With a lot of imagination, creativity and humour, the actual meaning of the game is completely changed.
Game manufacturers are increasingly responding to this trend. In so-called sandbox games, the actual game objectives can be switched off in creative mode so that the many additional possibilities, for example when building structures, can be realised undisturbed.
When children are able to change the whole game or the gameplay in games with new ideas, this is not breaking the rules, but rather an opportunity to boldly try out new things. And it is the best thing for the children if you as parents are interested in these new approaches.
Look over your children's shoulders and let them explain the game to you. In this case, the door to the children's room is guaranteed to be open, and if you have any doubts about an application or a change in the course of the game, you have the opportunity to discuss this with your child.
