Games come in different shapes and sizes. Each game has a certain element that makes it unique from the other games. The easiest way to learn more about the game is, of course, to talk to your child about it. There are a few big differences that you can already look at yourself, for example if you want to give the game as a gift to your child. The big differences are:

Single player, Multiplayer or Online Multiplayer
In a Single player game you can only play by yourself. If the game also has a Multiplayer function, you can also play the game with multiple players at the same time. With Multiplayer games online you have the option to play online with people all over the world, this can be with or against each other.

Free to play or Pay to play
There are more and more games on the market that are free to play. In these games, the makers earn money on expenses that you can make in the game, for example by buying other weapons or cosmetic items. On the other hand, there are the more traditional games where you buy the game yourself and then play it.

Advantages of gaming
Parents often talk about the negative effects of gaming on the health and well-being of their children. For example, they are afraid that children will not play with other children or will get physical complaints. Fortunately, gaming can also have positive effects for children and aid in the development of a child. Games are highly motivating for children, because there are clear goals against which rewards within the game are set. This is often accompanied by an increasing degree of difficulty, which also stimulates perseverance. In this way children learn to deal with failure, challenges and success. Other positive effects of gaming are:

• Improved hand / eye coordination;
• Language development;
• Communication / leadership;
• Better responsiveness;
• Relaxation.

Movement & Gaming at the same time
Some games are played outdoors using Augmented Reality. Your phone adds elements to your image of reality so that you can experience your own environment in another dimension. This way you have fresh air and exercise while playing a game.

Games are often said to be addicting fun. Actually a strange recommendation, because a game addiction is certainly no fun. You are addicted to gaming when gaming is at the expense of your work or study, you get restless when you can't play, you go on longer than you intend, and you think about gaming most of the time. It is striking that among us games online the traditional game addicts - who play on PC or game console - 92 percent are male (and usually very young), while the mobile game addicts mainly consist of women over the age of 18.

The most addictive games are not mobile games, but, according to addiction treatment organizations, are so-called 'massively multiplayer online role playing games'. The number of (especially younger) people who become addicted to it is increasing rapidly.