How to Find Age-Appropriate Gaming Content
Running a tabletop roleplaying game (RPG) club in an educational setting offers students a wealth of opportunities for creative expression, teamwork, and problem-solving. However, as an educator, it’s crucial to ensure that the content of these games is age-appropriate. RPGs can vary widely in terms of themes, language, and complexity, making it essential to choose games that align with the age group you’re working with. This blog post will guide you on how to find age-appropriate gaming content for your RPG club, providing practical tips and resources for educators who are starting or running these clubs.
Understanding the Importance of Age-Appropriate Content
Before diving into how to find suitable content, it’s important to understand why age-appropriateness matters in gaming:
Emotional Maturity: Younger players may not be ready to handle certain themes, such as intense violence, horror, or complex moral dilemmas, which are common in some RPGs.
Educational Goals: Age-appropriate content supports the educational objectives of your club, helping students develop skills and knowledge relevant to their developmental stage.
Safety and Inclusion: Ensuring content is appropriate for all participants fosters a safe and inclusive environment, where students feel comfortable and respected.
Assessing the Age-Appropriateness of RPGs
When selecting RPGs for your club, consider the following factors to assess whether a game is age-appropriate:
Themes and Setting: Examine the themes and setting of the game. Avoid games with themes that might be too intense or mature for your group, such as horror, graphic violence, or complex political intrigue.
Language: Check the language used in the game materials. Ensure that the language is suitable for your age group, avoiding games with explicit or mature content.
Complexity: Consider the complexity of the rules and gameplay. Younger players may benefit from simpler games that focus on storytelling and basic mechanics, while older students might enjoy more intricate systems.
Player Agency: Look for games that provide players with positive agency, allowing them to make decisions that lead to constructive and rewarding outcomes.
Published Age Ratings: Some games include recommended age ratings or content warnings provided by the publisher. Use these as a guideline to help determine if the game is suitable for your group.
Recommended RPGs for Different Age Groups
To help you find the right games for your RPG club, here’s a list of recommended RPGs categorized by age group. These games are known for their age-appropriate content, engaging mechanics, and educational value.
RPGs for Ages 8-12
For younger players, choose games that emphasize imagination, storytelling, and simple mechanics. The following RPGs are great for beginners and focus on creating fun, collaborative adventures:
No Thank You, Evil!: Designed specifically for children, this game is set in a whimsical world where players can be anything they imagine. The rules are simple, and the content is tailored to younger players.
Hero Kids: A fantasy RPG where players take on the roles of young heroes in a world filled with adventure. The game uses straightforward mechanics and focuses on cooperation and problem-solving.
Mouse Guard: Based on the graphic novels, this game lets players become brave mice defending their woodland territories. The game’s themes are heroic and adventurous, without being overly dark.
RPGs for Ages 12-15
As players grow older, they can handle more complex themes and mechanics. The following RPGs offer more depth while remaining appropriate for middle school students:
Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition): The most popular RPG, D&D 5e offers a flexible system that can be tailored to suit different age groups. For younger teens, focus on the lighter, more heroic aspects of the game.
Ryuutama: Often described as a “Miyazaki-esque” RPG, Ryuutama focuses on gentle, pastoral adventures in a fantasy world. The game encourages exploration, creativity, and positive storytelling.
Kids on Bikes: Set in small towns with a touch of the supernatural, this game is inspired by shows like Stranger Things. It’s perfect for players interested in mystery and adventure without the need for complex combat.
RPGs for Ages 15 and Up
For older teens, you can introduce more complex games with mature themes, provided they align with the educational goals of your group:
Monster of the Week: A modern fantasy RPG inspired by shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It involves hunting down monsters and solving mysteries, with a focus on narrative and character development.
Tales from the Loop: Set in an alternate 1980s, this RPG combines science fiction with coming-of-age stories. It’s perfect for teens interested in technology, mystery, and character-driven narratives.
Fate Core System: A flexible, narrative-focused RPG system that allows for a wide range of settings and themes. It’s great for groups who want to create their own stories with more complexity and depth.
Customizing RPG Content for Age Appropriateness
Even with recommended games, you may need to adjust the content to better suit your group. Here are some strategies for customizing RPG content to ensure it remains age-appropriate:
Adjust Themes: Modify the themes of the game to better fit your age group. For example, in a game with darker elements, focus on the heroic and adventurous aspects instead.
Simplify Rules: If a game’s mechanics are too complex for your group, simplify them. This can make the game more accessible and enjoyable for younger players.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with your players regarding what content is and isn’t appropriate. Encourage open communication so that players feel comfortable discussing any concerns.
Pre-Screen Adventures: Before running an adventure, read through the content to ensure it aligns with your group’s age level. Remove or alter any elements that might be too intense or mature.
Use Content Filters: If using digital tools or online resources, take advantage of content filters or family-friendly settings to ensure the material is appropriate for your group.
Involving Parents and Guardians
In a school or educational setting, it’s important to involve parents and guardians in the decision-making process regarding the content of your RPG club. Here’s how you can engage them:
Provide Information: Share detailed information about the games you plan to use, including the themes, content, and why they’re suitable for the age group. Providing this context helps parents and guardians understand the educational value of the games.
Seek Feedback: Encourage parents and guardians to share any concerns or preferences they may have regarding the content. This feedback can help you tailor your game selection to better align with the expectations of the families involved.
Offer Transparency: Invite parents and guardians to observe a gaming session or provide a summary of the sessions' content. Transparency builds trust and allows them to see firsthand how the games are conducted.
Create a Permission Slip: For games with content that might be on the edge of age-appropriateness, consider creating a permission slip that outlines the game’s themes and content, requiring parental consent before students participate.
Host a Parent-Guardian Information Night: Organize an information session where you explain the benefits of RPGs, demonstrate a game, and answer any questions parents and guardians might have. This can help alleviate concerns and build support for your club.
Utilizing Online Resources for Age-Appropriate Content
The internet is a valuable resource for finding age-appropriate RPG content. Here are some online tools and platforms that can help you identify suitable games:
Common Sense Media: A trusted resource for age-appropriate ratings and reviews, Common Sense Media provides guidance on the suitability of various media, including games. Use this site to check for content warnings and age recommendations.
RPGGeek: A community-driven site that offers detailed reviews and age ratings for a wide range of RPGs. It’s a great place to find recommendations and insights from other educators and parents.
Publisher Websites: Many RPG publishers provide detailed content descriptions and age ratings for their games. Visit the official websites of the games you’re considering to get accurate information directly from the source.
RPG Blogs and Forums: Online communities such as Reddit’s r/rpg and RPG-focused blogs often discuss age-appropriate games, offering recommendations and advice based on experience. These forums can be invaluable for finding games that have worked well for other educators.
DriveThruRPG Content Filters: When searching for games on platforms like DriveThruRPG, use content filters to narrow down your search to family-friendly or age-appropriate options. This can help you find materials that are specifically designed for younger audiences.
Conclusion
Finding age-appropriate gaming content is a crucial aspect of running a successful and inclusive tabletop RPG club in an educational setting. By carefully selecting games that align with the age and maturity of your players, customizing content as needed, and involving parents and guardians in the process, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.
Whether you’re working with young children, teens, or a mixed-age group, there are plenty of RPGs that offer rich, engaging experiences without crossing the boundaries of appropriateness. With the right resources, careful planning, and open communication, you can ensure that your RPG club not only meets the educational goals but also fosters a love for gaming and storytelling in a way that is respectful and considerate of all participants’ needs.
As an educator, your role in guiding and curating the gaming experience is vital. By leveraging the strategies and resources outlined in this guide, you can confidently introduce your students to the world of RPGs, knowing that the content you provide is both enriching and age-appropriate.
