GRAPEVINE, Texas, Nov. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Holiday shopping is now in full swing, and as parents can attest, video games will be on most wish lists this year. With so many options to choose from, deciding exactly which games are right for kids can be intimidating. To help gifters feel confident about the games they put under the tree this holiday, GameStop is offering a few tips for selecting fun, age-appropriate titles, geared toward learning and development.

1. Understand Ratings

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings provide guidance about video games and apps, so parents can make informed choices about the best titles for their family. ESRB and GameStop work together to make sure parents understand and check the ratings when buying games for their children, and GameStop’s associates are among the best in providing insight about what to expect in a game.

The following ratings outline the basic qualifiers for each category, but parents can learn more about games and their content using ESRB’s game rating summaries.

• E (Everyone): Content is generally suitable for all ages. May contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language.
• E 10+: Appropriate for gamers, ages 10 and up. May contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language and/or minimal suggestive themes.
• T (Teen): Suitable for ages 13 and up. May contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling and/or infrequent use of strong language.
• M (Mature): Generally appropriate for 17 and up and may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language.

2. Ask the Experts

Most GameStop associates eat, sleep and breathe video games, so they can serve as an extremely knowledgeable resource for gifters. From the best titles for a specific age to which games are great for learning, parents can get all the information they need to make the best game selections at their local GameStop.

3. Find Brain Games

Kids love video games because they’re fun, but the benefits of video gameplay go far beyond entertainment. A recent GameStop survey found that 71 percent of parents believe that playing video games can help kids develop strategic thinking skills. With the right, age-appropriate games, children can hone a variety of skills, including problem solving, creativity and team work. Gaming can also boost confidence and motivate kids to set and achieve new goals. Titles that require active play can even improve hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills.

4. Save Time with Proven Picks

With hundreds of games to choose from, GameStop associates strive to make life a little easier for time-strapped gifters with age-appropriate recommendations. This list includes many of the hottest, kid-tested games of the year—alongside their parent-approved benefits.

Tiny Gamers (ages 3-7)

• Minecraft Story Mode The Complete Adventure: Creativity, problem solving
• Lego Ninjago: Team work, problem solving
• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Problem solving, strategic thinking

School-Age (ages 8-12)

• Snipperclips Plus: Cut It Out, Together!: Problem solving, strategic thinking
• Super Mario Odyssey: Team work, problem solving
• Splatoon 2: Team work, strategic thinking

Teens (13+)

• Zelda Breath of the Wild: Problem solving, strategic thinking
• Just Dance 2018: Active play, fun for the whole family
• Star Wars Battlefront II: Problem solving, strategic thinking

5. Make it a Family Affair

Families that play together, stay together! Playing video games as a family can be a great way for parents to show interest in their kids’ favorite activities, which in turn, can improve and increase frequency of parent-child communication. Family gaming also fosters healthy competition and a “team mentality” at home.

“At GameStop, our associates are experts in all things gaming,” said Eric Bright, GameStop’s senior director of merchandising. “Armed with that level of expertise, we work hard to ensure that every guest leaves our stores with the best game for themselves, their friends, their children or the whole family.”

About GameStop
GameStop, the world’s largest video game retailer, offers the best selection of new and pre-owned video gaming consoles, accessories and video game titles, in both physical and digital formats. GameStop also offers fans a wide variety of pop vinyl toys, collectibles, board games and more. Through GameStop’s unique buy-sell-trade program, gamers can trade in video game consoles, games, and accessories, as well as consumer electronics for cash or in-store credit. The company operates thousands of locations nationwide, and fans can find their local GameStop using the store locator tool.

To get the latest news on video gaming and gear, follow GameStop on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. GameStop, EB Games, and Micromania is part of GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME), a global specialty retailer that makes the most popular technologies affordable and simple.

Contact:
Alexis Barsalou
GameStop Corp.
(817) 424-2117 or AlexisBarsalou@GameStop.com