A new study reveals the best child-friendly video games, plus expert tips for keeping your children safe whilst gaming.
More than half of parents allow their children to play video games rated 18+ without actually knowing what the game involves.
Therefore, a new study by Uswitch has analysed average game review scores for games rated PEGI, 3, 7 and 12 to reveal the best child-friendly games for every age group and help parents make informed decisions on what the best games are for their children to play!
You can view the full research here: https://www.uswitch.com/broadband/studies/parents-guide-to-gaming/
Top 5 best games rated PEGI 3
| Rank | Game | Average Rating |
| 1 | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 8.95 |
| 2 | Forza Horizon 4 | 8.90 |
| 3 | Sonic Mania Plus | 8.75 |
| 4 | Animal Crossing: New Horizons | 8.50 |
| 5 | Sonic Mania | 8.40 |
The best PEGI 3 rated game is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with an average rating of 8.95. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe earned an 8.7 on IMDb and a 92 on Metacritic. Mario Kart 8 is also one of the best-selling games of all time. In this classic Mario Kart game, players control Mario characters in kart racing, collecting and using items to hinder opponents or gain advantages in the race.
The second best PEGI 3 rated game is Forza Horizon 4 with an average rating of 8.90. Sonic Mania Plus follows in third place with an average rating of 8.75.
Top 5 best PEGI 7 rated games:
| Rank | Game | Average Rating |
| 1 | Super Mario Odyssey | 9.40 |
| 2 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps | 9.15 |
| 3 | Celeste | 9.00 |
| 4 | Hollow Knight | 8.85 |
| 5 | Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | 8.90 |
The best PEGI 7 rated game is Super Mario Odyssey with an average rating of 9.40. Released in 2017, Super Mario Odyssey follows Mario and a brand new character Cappy (a sentient hat that allows Mario to control other characters) as they journey across various kingdoms to once again save Princess Peach from classic series villain Bowser.
The second best PEGI 7 rated game is Ori and the Will of the Wisps with an average rating of 9.15. Followed by the third best PEGI 7 rated game is Celeste with an average rating of 9.00.
Top 5 best PEGI 12 games:
| Rank | Game | Average Rating |
| 1 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | 9.55 |
| 2 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 9.10 |
| 2 | Hades | 9.10 |
| 4 | It Takes Two | 9.05 |
| 5 | Shadow of the Colossus | 8.80 |
The best PEGI 12 rated game is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with an average rating of 9.55. This is the highest-rated game across the three age ranges considered here, and also one of the highest-selling games of the last decade. Players control an amnesiac Link, who has awoken from a hundred-year slumber at the beginning of the game. Players attempt to regain Link’s memories and prevent the destruction of Hyrule by Calamity Ganon.
Coming in second place for best PEGI 12 rated game are Super Smash Bro Ultimate and Hades with an average rating of 9.10 each.
Uswitch broadband expert, Max Beckett’s top tips for keeping your children safe while gaming:
“As we all know, gaming is hugely popular amongst children, but not just as a pastime. Gaming provides a platform for children to socialise, be creative and learn about the world in a way that school often doesn’t. Yet, with so many different video games on the market, it can be difficult to determine the most suitable for your child, especially for families with multiple children of varying ages.
“There are a number of ways that you can make gaming safer for your child. First and foremost, you should take the time to talk with your child about gaming. Regular conversations can help you to understand the types of games your child likes and what they’re being exposed to, whilst also providing you with the opportunity to keep up to date with what they like. Similarly, you can also work together to set boundaries and establish the most appropriate way to keep them safe online.
“The best video games rated PEGI 3, and therefore suitable for all ages, include Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Sonic Mania Plus. Video games such as these can often require a decent home internet connection, specifically for video game downloads and online play, or if you have multiple children playing at once. An ultrafast broadband connection could certainly be beneficial for families with avid gamers, but most families can get away with slightly slower, and cheaper, superfast fibre connections too”.
You can view the full research by clicking here
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