Gaming is still a relatively young industry. So, while many of you grew up playing video games, your parents may have looked on in confusion. Of course, we all know the wonders that video games can bring, and it makes sense to want to share this hobby with your parents or guardians.
To help ease older members of your family into gaming, we've rounded up a list of the best video games to play with your parents. While these games are still excellent in their own right, they don't require the muscle memory or reaction speeds that naturally come from gaming for years.
So, without further ado, here are the best video games to play with your parents...
1. For Bookworm Parents: Firewatch
Firewatch is an adventure game set in Wyoming. You take control of Henry, a fire lookout, and live out his days as he uncovers the mysteries that surround him.
Firewatch is played from a first-person perspective, so you move Henry around and interact with the environment. It's simple to control and is focused on telling an immersive story in a world that looks and sounds beautiful. If your parents like delving into a unique story, Firewatch will be right up their street.
2. For Parents Who Watch TV: The Walking Dead
Thanks to advances in technology, games now have the spectacle of film and TV. Some of them are also based on established franchises, like The Walking Dead. Telltale produced a game based on the show in 2012 and it's fantastic fun, especially if your parents watch The Walking Dead.
This game is told episodically, giving it the pace of a TV show, and tells an emotional story set in a zombie-infested world. Your parents will have to make tough choices that will make them feel immersed in the story. It definitely isn't one for those who don't like violence, though.
3. For Puzzling Parents: The Witness
If your parents are the type who enjoy solving a crossword or Sudoku, they'll enjoy testing their brain with The Witness. While the game is set on an open world island, this simply acts as a backdrop for around 650 puzzles. It can be a great bonding experience to solve them together.
It gets really tricky, though it has a smooth learning curve, so your parents will be kept busy for a long time. And cracking some of the tougher puzzles is extremely satisfying.
4. For Parents Who Like to Laugh: The Secret of Monkey Island
Games don't have to be serious, which The Secret of Monkey Island perfectly demonstrates. First published in 1990 and then remastered in 2009, this remains one of the funniest games ever made.
It's a point-and-click adventure that follows the tales of wanna-be pirate Guybrush Threepwood as he sets out to defeat the evil ghost pirate LeChuck. The control scheme is a simple point-and-click affair, which means your parents can focus on solving the puzzles and enjoying the witty dialog.
5. For Artistic Parents: Journey
Video games are another form of art, and that's none more evident than in Journey. The game can be played individually or in multiplayer. The entire adventure is wordless, as you guide a robed figure through a desolated desert.
The aesthetics of this game are stunning, as is the ethereal soundtrack, and your parents will likely be impressed by the contemplative, moving experience of Journey.
6. For Creative Parents: The Sims 4
Even if your parents have never played a video game, they've likely heard of The Sims. This life simulation became a cultural phenomenon and the fourth instalment is the perfect entry point.
There's no particular goal here---instead, players can build and design their own homes, perfect for flexing their creative side. Then, these houses can be populated with people with their own needs and desires.
If your parents enjoy playing The Sims, there are lots of great The Sims 4 expansion packs you can use to enhance the game.
7. For Entrepreneurial Parents: Two Point Hospital
1997's Theme Hospital was an incredibly popular hospital simulation game. Two Point Hospital is its spiritual successor, released in 2018 and developed by some of the same people. The aim is to build and maintain various hospitals, ensuring that they run safely and meet targets.
While the challenges can get tricky, business-minded parents will enjoy the challenge. Don't worry, though, there's humor injected to keep the experience light.
8. For Strategic Parents: Civilization VI
Civilization is a turn-based strategy game, playable against the computer or other people. You take control of a famous historical leader and try to build an empire so that it lasts throughout time, from the Stone Age to the Information Age.
Civilization is a very complex game once you dive into it, but the helpful tutorials will guide your parents along so that they'll be waging war against Cleopatra or Gandhi in no time.
9. For Parents Who Are Just Big Kids: Lego Star Wars
There are endless Lego video games, but Lego Star Wars remains one of the best. It's based around the first six films and is a perfect co-op game.
You and your parents can play as one of over 120 characters, battling your way through all of the iconic moments of Star Wars. Swing a lightsaber at Darth Vader, take part in a pod race, and more.
If your parents enjoy this, they should also check out the best Lego video games.
10. For Parents Who Are Animal Lovers: Planet Zoo
No matter what animal your parent loves, it's bound to be available in Planet Zoo---from lions to elephants to flamingos. This is a simulation game where the aim is to build and manage the perfect zoo, keeping both the creatures and humans happy.
However, your parents can just focus on building their zoo if they like. The powerful construction tools offer endless opportunities to customize the zoo exactly how they want it.
There Are Games for Kids Too!
Hopefully your parents find a game or games they enjoy from this list. And before you know it, they'll be recommending games for you to play.
Now that you've got your parents into playing video games, perhaps there are kids you want to entertain too? If so, our list of the best educational mobile games for kids will keep both parents and children alike happy.