These Non-Violent Video Games Are Ideal for Kids

In the past, many non-violent video games simply weren’t fun, but today that’s no longer the case–and the list of qualifying games is growing. Whether you’re looking for game-based learning or simply games that are fun to play, all of the video games on this list represent an impressive design achievement, and they are definitely worth a play. Whether kids will actually enjoy the game or not, especially in an era dominated by Fortnite and wildly action-packed gaming environments, depends largely on their mindset and what they expect from a game. 

The Pew Research Center reported in 2008 that 97% of youths ages 12 to 17 played some type of video game, and that two-thirds of them played action and adventure games that tend to contain violent content. A separate analysis found that more than half of all video games rated by the ESRB contained violence, including more than 90% of those rated as appropriate for children 10 years or older. Given how common these games are, it is small wonder that mental health clinicians often find themselves fielding questions from parents who are worried about the impact of violent video games on their children.

The view endorsed by organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is that exposure to violent media can contribute to real-life violent behavior and harm children in other ways. But other researchers have questioned the validity or applicability of much of the research supporting this view. They argue that most youths are not affected by violent video games. What both sides of this debate agree on is that it is possible for parents to take steps that limit the possible negative effects of video games.

Though it may not be absolutely correct to say that every single one of these video games is entirely free from any matter of violence whatsoever (because violence is a matter of both degrees and interpretation), it is true that for the most part, they are indeed non-violent games, and certainly nothing approaching the reality of games like Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto. The standard here is that you don’t consider games like Super Mario or Minecraft violent, even though there are what could be considered violent behaviors in them. It’s about tone and intent and how that “violence” is framed. Please be sure to check out developer websites or YouTube for gameplay videos to make sure you know what you’re getting into if you intend on purchasing any of these games.

Please note that none of the games included here are ‘learning games’ or related apps like Sesame Street, Dr. Panda, Toca Life: School, Marco Polo, etc.–meaning these are actual video games with (mostly) traditional gameplay mechanics. Though this isn’t absolute, the list is created for children ages 8 and older. 

Nintendo Switch: 

• Animal Crossing
• Super Mario Maker 2
• Splatoon 2
• Super Mario Odyssey
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
• Katamari Damacy Reroll
• Pokemon: Let’s Go Pickachu!
• Just Dance 2021
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• Yoshi’s Crafted World
• Super Mario Party
• Donut County
• Spirit Of The North
• Luigi’s Mansion 3
• Kirby Star Allies
• Paper Mario Origami King
• Pikmin 3

PlayStation 4: 

• Gran Turismo Sport
• Rock Band 4 (also consider Guitar Hero)
• Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled
• Stardew Valley
• Flower
• Minecraf
• Rocket League
• Journey
• The Witness
• Fez
• Dear Esther
• Little Big Planet 2
• MLB The Show 2020

Xbox One

• Cities Skylines
• Assassin’s Creed: Origins (Museum/Discovery modes)
• Disneyland Adventures
• Zoo Tycoon
• Bridge Constructor
• Old Man’s Journey
• Super Mega Baseball 2
• Roblox
• Forza Horizon 4

iOS

• Super Mario Run
• Civilization V
• Sims 4
• Democracy 3
• Pokemon Go
• Minecraft
• Never Alone
• Way Of The Turtle
• The Gardens Between
• The Talos Principle
• SimCity BuildIt
• The Kids We Were
• Sky: Children Of The Light
• Flower
• Florence
• Harvest Moon
• Farming Simulator 2019
• Sonic Dash
• X-Plane Starship

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services