Ever wondered why our kids or nephews are so engrossed in their Smartphones or tablets, to the point that we end up scolding them because theyβre way past their daily screen time?
If theyβre not on Facebook, Instagram, or scrolling through the latest videos on YouTube, then itβs our best bet that theyβre creating their world on Minecraft or Roblox. Weβve heard them say these games over and over, trying their best to describe them, and even let us play for a minute before snagging their devices out of our hands in frustration.
Gamer-parents might understand why their kids are so into these games. But for those without or lacking the experience of spending hours completing Super Mario or Final Fantasy during their youth, Minecraft and Roblox are described as sandbox games. These are games that focus on freedom and creativity, and encourage players to explore and experiment with their surroundings and discover something new in their virtual world.
Sandbox games date back to the 1970s and 1980s, when games like Dungeons & Dragons inspired developers to create open-ended gaming experiences. This paved the way for open-world games to hit the shelves, with titles like the original Grand Theft Auto on the PlayStation 1 and PC, SimCity, and Rollercoaster Tycoon as fan favorites.
Fast forward to today, Minecraft carries the DNA of its open-world predecessors and packs it into a more personalized and mobile architecture. Think of it as a digital Lego where kids can create a world that is limited only by their imagination.
But Minecraft is not just about placing blocks and exploring a seemingly endless environment. According to Maker Kids, the game teaches players the following:
– Problem-solving skills (navigating through obstacles, especially in βsurvival modeβ)
– Socio-emotional skills (learns to respect and be βgood digital citizens)
– Reading and writing skills (understanding in-game instructions and interactions with other players)
– Curiosity (finding ways and hints to solve challenges)
– Teamwork (winning a challenge by working with other players)
On the other hand, Roblox enables kids not only to play a bevy of games, but also to create their own using Lua, an easy-to-understand programming language known for its simplicity, speed, and ease of integration.
Through the Roblox Studio, kids can create their own game or play other games made by other players. They are introduced to the basics of programming, where they can design levels, write gameplay mechanics, and collaborate with other players.
As they go along, players will encounter problems and will rely on their communication and problem-solving skills to overcome these challenges. Playing Roblox will also encourage kids to tap into their critical thinking and algorithmic skills to find solutions, as well as patience and persistence to look for and correct errors.
While most kids are too young to acknowledge these skills, Minecraft and Roblox can be their starting blocks as they make their way through life. Sooner or later, they will notice that these games have made them better students, better children, and better friends.
