Circle’s Parent Guide to the Most Popular Online Multiplayer Video Games
September 12, 2021
Wonder what really goes on in your kid’s video games? Circle has you covered with everything you need to know about some of the most popular Online Multiplayer Games.
Let’s face it, kids and adults alike love video games. With over 2.5 billion gamers worldwide and three-quarters of U.S. households owning some sort of gaming device, it’s no wonder video games are such a hot topic. They’re fun, interactive and challenging. Meanwhile, video games can create a sense of community and foster true friendships—even a place to find ‘your community’. But there’s also a downside when gaming is overused, distancing kids (and adults) from needed physical activities and real life interactions. It’s all the more true for today’s youth. With the advent of social platforms, influencers and instant access to it all, games can quickly become a retreat from the real world.
Gaming companies aren’t helping the matter either, as they get better and better at triggering the pleasure centers of our brain and keep us craving that next reward. Whether playing on mobile devices, gaming consoles or PC/Mac devices, kids can get sucked in, fast—for what can end up being hours at a time if left unchecked.
A main incentive for these ‘free’ games are microtransactions, where kids can purchase custom loot or skins for actual money. This is how these games make the majority of their revenue alongside ads.
Beyond that, the darker and possibly more ominous side of online gaming is the toxicity that can spring up through forums, chat rooms, and most notably, voice chat. From consoles like Playstation and Xbox to apps like Discord, the amount of harmful activity can be staggering. Many online games, chat apps and platforms have strict guidelines and community rules pertaining to harassment and profanity or issues like hate speech and cyberbullying. Some gaming platforms have a zero tolerance policy and take it very seriously and some, well, not so much.
In order to make sense of the noise, let's take a look at some of the most popular online games. We’ll be referencing ESRB ratings which explain what’s in a game or app so parents can make informed choices about which games are right for their family.
Game Rated 7+
This ESRB rating includes exposure to fantasy violence and suggests that it is suitable for most kids. Along with the rating, you will also find notices about your kids' interactions and purchases. However, the rating also includes a Users Interact notice and an In-Game Purchases notice. These let parents know that players can communicate with each other, create and share games with each other, and make additional purchases within the game.
Some versions of these games can include a higher age rating and are dependent on the version downloaded.
Minecraft
Available on: all major platforms, PC/Mac, mobile and Raspberry PI
Cost
Free to $29.99
What is it?
One of the best-selling video games of all time, Minecraft is an immersive, first-person adventure game, referred to as a “sandbox” game due to its open world stylings—meaning players have the freedom to go anywhere in the game’s world no matter where they start.
Why is it popular?
Minecraft’s popularity comes from its simple design that also offers a huge variety of entertainment. There are several different modes, that include single player or multiplayer, which allow kids to explore the world over, build homes or fortresses, or even recreate real-life buildings, much like a digital LEGO set. The possibilities are endless.
What do kids do in it?
Players dig, mine, and harvest resources to craft tools and gear, construct worlds, fight zombies, meet friends or play minigames. Minecraft’s rich user interface allows for creative freedom unlike few other games, all the while encouraging design, exploration and discovery. This interface along with the social aspect, make for an engrossing and rewarding experience that has kept many coming back throughout the years.
What should parents watch out for in Minecraft?
As with many games, single player is usually the safest way to play, as Minecraft is a mostly peaceful game. (There are zombies, too, so if your kid is easily scared you can turn those off!) Online play is unmonitored, so if kids are allowed to play online, it’s good to make sure they understand that anyone can communicate with them and to report any inappropriate behavior, both to Minecraft support and to you as parents.
What is the recommended age to play?
Thanks to its simple setup, lack of violence, and detailed worlds, kids 7+ can play this game but it’s recommended they play offline.
Roblox
Available on: PC/Mac, mobile, Xbox One
Cost
Free to $30
What is it?
Roblox is an online gaming platform where participants can play games designed by other users or create and share their own using in-app game development tools.
Why is it popular?
Roblox consists of user-designed games that are featured in an ever-changing list, in order of popularity. New games are constantly available and the gameplay itself spans simple puzzle games to murder mysteries, shooters, and much more. This constant refreshing of content makes it the perfect contender for “Most Attention Draining Game.”
What do kids do in it?
Kids can choose from thousands of games, from every genre imaginable, with different goals, challenges, and play styles. Players are able to download Roblox’s developer tools, so they can create their own games as well—which could be a valuable tool for introducing kids to coding and game design. There is also a digital community where players buy and furnish digital homes, as well as wander around and talk to other real people in their online neighborhoods.
What should parents watch out for in Roblox?
Roblox is free to play but features microtransactions. Parents who let their kids play should stay vigilant for ads encouraging kids to buy “Robux,” the in-game currency, and talk with them about what that means.
In-game chat systems are available but decently moderated, even going so far as to have real people reviewing messages and AI that recognizes and automatically blocks out swear words. Parents are encouraged to talk with their kids about what kind of people they may encounter online and to report any suspicious behavior.
Online Games Rated Teen (13+)
Due to depictions of violence, some realistic and some albeit cartoonish, and exposure to playing with other gamers who may be much older, it’s generally recommended not to allow kids under the age of 13 to play these games.
Make your own judgement based on your kid’s maturity and your personal comfort level. Take some time to play the game or watch gameplay online to get a feel for what your kids will experience and help them understand how to deal with difficult players or situations.
Fortnite
Available on all major platforms: most mobile devices (iOS, Android), PC, Mac, Xbox One, PlayStation4
Cost
Free to $11.99/month
What is it?
Fortnite is a free-to-play sandbox “battle royale” style third-person shooter. There are several gameplay modes for players to choose from, ranging from a you-vs-everyone mode, to teaming up with other players in teams and competing in games that play like Capture the Flag, or a more straightforward team elimination game.
Why is it popular?
Fortnite’s popularity comes from its fun, cartoonish style, short matches, varied maps, customizable characters, and quick reward system. Matches are easy to play in small doses, with a high replay value.
What do kids do in it?
Kids start with a simple character and weapons then compete against other players in death matches or other challenges. The game allows players to build structures during fights, which adds a layer of creativity and skill. Rewards often include new outfits, upgraded weapons, and special skills, so kids can customize their characters for an added layer of personalization.
Is it online?
Yes, it is played almost exclusively online. There are a few “offline” options in the game but only for training purposes. The main gameplay is experienced in public online matches.
What should parents watch out for in Fortnite?
Since Fortnite is almost exclusively online, parents should be on the lookout for potentially negative comments from other players. It’s advised to make a plan with your kids about what to do if someone is saying mean, abusive, or hurtful things, and be on the lookout for cyberbullying. Unlike many other games, Fortnite matches last about 20 minutes and cannot be “paused,” so making sure chores are done or it’s not almost dinnertime before letting kids have an extra round can keep arguments at bay. Another thing to watch out for is microtransactions. Fortnite is free-to-play, but players can also make purchases to upgrade their outfits or skills, so parents may want to turn off their in-app purchase settings just in case.
What is the recommended age to play?
Due to depictions of violence, albeit cartoonish, and exposure to playing with other gamers who may be much older, it’s generally recommended not to allow kids under the age of 13 to play Fortnite.
Is Fortnite addictive?
Fortnite has many addicting aspects, such as outfit, weapon, and skill upgrades that come from long hours of “grinding” (repeatedly doing mundane tasks to gain experience). Parents should be on the lookout for signs of addictive behavior and are advised to set expectations early on. Circle’s Usage feature can also let a parent confirm if they think their kids are playing more than they say they are.
PlayerUnknown’s BattleGrounds
Available Online on: all major platforms, PC/Mac, Mobile
Cost
Free to $30.00
What is it?
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is a “battle royale” multiplayer game originally based on the Japanese movie “Battle Royale.” It’s a first-person shooter (FPS) where up to a 100 participants play solo or in small teams until the last man standing. PUBG is one of the best selling, most played video games of all time and made the ”battle royale” genre popular for games like Fortnite and Apex Legends.
Why is it popular?
PUBG’s gameplay allows for a lot of variation in play styles as well as weapons, explosives, and vehicles. Kids can do things like re-enacting intense movie type scenes where they are driving a burning car off a cliff. The crazier things get, the more fun it can be for the kids.
What do kids do in it?
As a “battle royale” style game, players begin rounds by parachuting onto an island and proceed to fight everyone in the vicinity. The game’s map has zones that decrease in size over time, forcing players closer together and into fights. They can choose to form teams to help take out competition, but the only way to win is to be the last person standing. Like Fortnite, kids can completely customize their avatars from head to toe with quirky hats, shirts, pants, and so on, by finding loot or taking it from fallen enemies. PUBG matches take longer, sometimes up to 30 minutes, as players are eliminated from the game until only one remains.
Is it online?
Yes, PUBG requires an Internet connection and is entirely online, with no single player option.
What should parents watch out for in PUBG?
Out of all the games reviewed here, PUBG is by far the more mature and for a 13+ audience. Blood spatters are common and explosions occur frequently. And with up to 100 people per match, it’s nearly impossible to monitor contact between players—so anything could be said or sent in a message. And as with almost all games released these days (especially mobile games), parents should be on the lookout for microtransactions, so their kids don’t end up accidentally buying in-game goodies with real-world cash.
Apex Legends
Available on all major platforms
Cost
Free
What is it?
Apex Legends is another free to play (in most cases), class based, multiplayer first-person shooter in the “battle royale” genre. This game is based on the Titanfall series and is team focused rather than individual.
Why is it popular?
For starters, the game is free, and like many others, it’s a “battle royale” style game with huge maps to navigate that are easy to jump into. The game play is fast and frenetic due to the cool game mechanics that allow you to wall run, teleport and zipline through the environment at breakneck speeds. The unique abilities and loadouts of different characters along with the cartoonish styling mixed with a good physics engine explain why it’s continuing popularity gains new users month after month.
What do kids do in it?
As with most of the games on this list, the objective of this team based game is to be the last man standing. You, along with your teammates, combat against other teams of players online within a shrinking play space. Use special abilities, sensors, grenades, and guns to get a leg up on the competition. One of the great things about this game is that you don’t need a mic to communicate with your teammates. Apex has a ping system with built in commands to notify your team where enemies are, where you are located or what you are doing—all great for those that don’t want to be on a mic or don’t have one.
What should parents watch out for in Apex Legend?
The first thing you should know is that it’s necessary to have an account in order to play Apex Legends, meaning your kid will need to provide email, username and age declaration. Apex enables voice chat and text; depending on the platform you use, you can mute or disable those functions. The game does show violence though it is more of a cartoonish type without blood and instead uses a points system showing hits or damage on other players. As with most Free to Play, in-game purchases (loot boxes) are available which help players progress or attain certain skins and items for their character.
Bottom Line
Is PUBG addictive?
Much like Roblox and Fortnite, PUBG can be addictive due to its fast-paced play style and easy-to-access loot boxes. These, like Roblox’s Robux, or the similar loot boxes in Fortnite, can lead to problems if parents haven’t adequately set boundaries or talked with their kids about what to watch out for or set limits. Overall, just like other games, parents should be on the lookout for how much time kids are spending on PUBG.
While many games and gaming platforms can do a decent job censoring online activity and communication, they are not foolproof. We, as parents, probably used secret ways to communicate with our friends; kids today are no different. They can be very creative, and methods for getting around restrictions can be shared at the speed of light. Pay attention and be inquisitive, set good examples and build some trust with your kids so they feel safe coming to you when it matters instead of looking to unsavory “friends”.
Many kids spend a lot of time online through games or social apps, and it's very easy to overlook the fact that for a lot of them, these are not just merely games or places to overshare. They have become the equivalent to the neighborhoods that many of us remember from our childhoods. Only their neighborhood can span the globe, not just a few miles.
Have your kid help set and track online time limits so they feel involved. Monitor content and explain the expectations you have and what they can expect from you. Go over the rewards and consequences for sticking to or breaking the conditions you set together. Most of all, talk with your kids. Help them create a more balanced gaming experience. Circle can help you set consistent boundaries so kids can regularly stick to the limits you've agreed upon.
There’s no substitute for active involvement in your kid’s life. Taking a genuine interest in what they enjoy and who they enjoy it with is paramount. Having conversations about the pitfalls of online play and the permanence of your online footprint is just as important.
Find out more about Circle’s parental controls features or buy one today to get started managing screen time at home with ease.