From Fortnite to GTA V: 5 Games Kids Love but Weren’t Made for Them

Hey, ever noticed how some games are like candy to kids but were never intended for them in the first place? We’re talking about those digital playgrounds where kids swarm like bees to honey, yet the developers probably had a totally different audience in mind.

These games have amassed huge user bases of kids, often leaving parents scratching their heads and wondering what the big deal is. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “Wait, this game isn’t for kids!” while watching your younger sibling or your own child get sucked into a gaming vortex, you’re not alone.

Let’s dive into some of the most popular games that fit this paradoxical category. Prepare for some eye-openers and maybe a couple of chuckles along the way.

• Surprising games that kids love but aren’t designed for them
• Fun facts and stats to back up the claims
• Personal anecdotes and pop culture references to keep things lively

Among Us – The Space Mafia Craze

First up, we’ve got Among Us. Originally launched in 2018 by InnerSloth, this game didn’t gain much traction until 2020, when it suddenly became the digital equivalent of avocado toast—everywhere and beloved by the masses, especially kids. The game is essentially a social deduction game, where players are crewmates on a spaceship trying to complete tasks while impostors lurk among them, trying to sabotage and eliminate everyone.

While the game is rated for ages 10 and up, it’s clear that its popularity exploded among younger kids who loved the thrill of being sneaky and the simple, cartoony graphics. It’s like playing an intergalactic version of Clue, but with way more backstabbing and less Professor Plum.

• 500 million active users as of November 2020
• Available on multiple platforms including mobile, making it accessible
• Over 60 million downloads on the Google Play Store alone
• Streamed by popular YouTubers and Twitch streamers, adding to its allure

Fortnite – The Battle Royale Bonanza

Ah, Fortnite. The game that turned the floss dance into a global phenomenon and made “dropping into Tilted Towers” a part of everyday conversation. Released by Epic Games in 2017, Fortnite’s Battle Royale mode quickly became a hit, drawing in players of all ages. However, it’s the younger demographic that seems to be most captivated by this colorful, chaotic shooter.

Despite its cartoonish graphics, Fortnite is fundamentally a game about shooting other players until you’re the last one standing. Not exactly the kind of game you’d expect to be a hit with the under-12 crowd, yet here we are. Kids are obsessed with the skins, emotes, and the constant stream of new content that keeps the game fresh.

• Over 350 million registered players as of May 2020
• Made $1.8 billion in revenue in 2019 alone
• Players spend an average of 6-10 hours per week on the game
• Available on virtually every gaming platform

Roblox – The DIY Game Universe

Roblox is like the Swiss Army knife of gaming platforms. Launched in 2006, it’s a user-generated online gaming platform where players can create their own games or play games created by others. Think of it as YouTube for games, but with a slightly more pixelated aesthetic. Although Roblox is rated E10+, it has become a playground for kids much younger than that.

The appeal is obvious: Roblox offers endless possibilities for creativity and social interaction. Kids can build their own worlds, customize their avatars, and even learn basic coding. It’s like digital LEGO but with more opportunities to accidentally run into online creeps. This has raised some eyebrows among parents and educators who worry about the safety of such a young user base.

• Over 150 million monthly active users as of 2021
• More than 20 million user-created games
• Players spent a combined 30.6 billion hours on Roblox in 2020
• Estimated to have over half of users under 16

Minecraft – The Block-Building Phenomenon

Who hasn’t heard of Minecraft? Released in 2011 by Mojang Studios, Minecraft is a sandbox game that allows players to build and explore virtual worlds made up of blocks. While it’s rated E10+ for its mild fantasy violence, the game has captured the hearts and minds of kids even younger. It’s like giving them digital Play-Doh but with the ability to create entire worlds and fight off blocky zombies.

Despite its simple graphics, Minecraft offers deep gameplay mechanics that involve resource gathering, crafting, and survival. It’s educational, too, teaching kids basic concepts in geometry, physics, and even programming through its redstone mechanics. But let’s be real: kids are mostly there to build giant roller coasters and fight off Creepers.

• Over 200 million copies sold across all platforms
• More than 126 million monthly active users as of 2020
• Available on multiple platforms including consoles, PC, and mobile
• Has its own educational version used in classrooms

Grand Theft Auto V – The Not-So-Kid-Friendly Sandbox

Okay, this one might make you do a double-take. Yes, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) is a game that many kids have somehow gotten their hands on, despite its mature rating. Released by Rockstar Games in 2013, GTA V is an open-world action-adventure game that involves everything from heists to car chases to, well, activities that are definitely not suitable for children.

So why do kids play it? The game’s vast open world offers a sandbox experience where they can drive around, explore, and cause chaos without necessarily engaging in the more adult-themed missions. Plus, the online multiplayer mode, GTA Online, offers a variety of activities that can be somewhat sanitized for younger players. Still, it’s a game that parents should definitely keep an eye on.

• Over 140 million copies sold worldwide
• Generated $6 billion in revenue, making it one of the most profitable entertainment products ever
• Available on multiple platforms including next-gen consoles
• Regularly updated with new content, keeping it fresh and engaging

So, what’s the takeaway here? These games, despite not being designed for kids, have become hugely popular among younger audiences. Whether it’s the simple graphics, the open-world exploration, or the social interaction, something about these games resonates with kids in a big way. It’s a reminder that kids are often drawn to what’s popular and exciting, even if it’s not meant for them.

As parents, educators, and even fellow gamers, it’s important to understand what draws kids to these games and to guide them in making safe and appropriate choices. Maybe it’s time to have a conversation about why little Timmy is so obsessed with completing tasks in Among Us or why he’s constantly asking for V-Bucks in Fortnite. Understanding the appeal can help in setting boundaries and ensuring that gaming remains a fun and safe activity for everyone involved.

And hey, maybe you’ll find yourself getting sucked into one of these games too. After all, who wouldn’t want to build a castle in Minecraft or outsmart an impostor in Among Us? Just remember to keep an eye on the little ones while you’re at it.

References

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