Digital Trends

It’s a common problem faced by shoppers every holiday season: What to get the videogame enthusiast in your family? Worries are especially poignant this year, with concerns over violence and graphic content recently putting the industry in both parents’ and journalists’ crosshairs. Considering that average game player is now 33 years old according to the Entertainment Software Association, you’re probably on the hunt for one or two titles yourself to boot.

Thankfully, we’re pleased to report that picking the perfect geek-friendly gift needn’t prove a problem come that one special day or eight crazy nights. Courtesy of a booming $14 USD billion videogame industry, manufacturers are quickly capitalizing on concepts like casual gaming (user-friendly titles based on familiar everyday themes) and licensed film/TV tie-ins, pumping out top-quality content at record rates. In short, no matter your budget or system of choice, there are plenty of great options for every age group and interest type.

But first, a few key points to bear in mind before you happily start ticking off slots on the entire clan’s wish list:

1. Always check age ratings for software appropriateness, listed with detailed content descriptors on the front of every game box. More info can be had from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)’s website, www.esrb.org, or via non-profits like Common Sense Media (www.commonsensemedia.org).

2. They may be perennial crowd-pleasers, but you needn’t spring for next-generation systems like the PlayStation 3, Wii or Xbox 360 to enjoy the pleasures of interactive entertainment. Cost-conscious plug-and-play devices, such as Jakks Pacific’s TV Games lineup – self-contained, travel-friendly units with multiple diversions built-in – offer instant thrills, being compatible with any television set sporting RCA inputs… no added purchase necessary.

3. No sense breaking the bank when hunting for software: Plenty of great new titles are still shipping for older or more value-minded consoles, e.g. living room mainstay PlayStation 2 and handheld favorite the Nintendo DS. Used games, tested to ensure that they’re in working condition before being repackaged, can also be had at a large discount from outlets like Game Crazy or GameStop. Free online-only titles like Nexon’s KartRider rock for obvious reasons too, but offer cool wallet-friendly stocking stuffers in the form of optional, bite-sized transactions that let you deck out your racer or vehicle as well.

4. Mac/PC owners can skip big box stores entirely, with sites like Games.Yahoo.com, BigFishGames.com and iWin.com offering award-winning smashes (all of which you can try before buying) for under $20 USD.

5. Get to know titles before purchasing them to determine suitability and value for would-be recipients. Online resources such as GameSpot, GameSpy and IGN.com offer in-depth previews, reviews and overviews of titles, often weeks before they hit store shelves.

Read on to find our best gaming picks for this holiday.