PopCap Games Giveaway (win $60 worth of kid’s video games)

The other day I attended a luncheon sponsored by PopCap Games.  The event really stood out for me as a very positive blogger event.  First of all, it was with an amazing group of writers and bloggers from various publications including Parade Magazine, Psychology Today and GeekMom.   Secondly, it was at an exquisite Japanese restaurant downtown called En Japanese Brasserie. And lastly, we engaged in an interesting, intelligent conversation about video games and the family.  Since one of my clients is an app and story developer, the topic was of particular interest to me.

During the conversation about video games and kids, we talked a lot about making the experience communal.   Video-time should be co-viewing.  When it is, it can lead to more rewards.  Social time playing games together can build relationships and it gives you a chance to connect to your child during playtime.   The conversation got my wheels turning about how my kids play games.  One member of the group said that she plays everything game that her kids play.  Not only does she check them out, but she plays them because she likes playing them.  The truth is that I have never really done that.  I make sure that my kids are playing high-quality games (they’ve been playing computer games since they both turned two), but I haven’t sat down at the computer with them in several years.  And I should.

If you’re wondering how good video games are for kids in the first place, there is a new study out by the East Carolina University’s Psychophysiology Lab and Biofeedback Clinic that reviews that casual, non-violent video games can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and improve all aspects of mood by 57%.  With this report, I do feel more positive that my kids can’t lose from a video game experience.

Before the luncheon, I was sent free downloads for three PopCap games: Bejewled, Bookworms Adventures and Plants vs. Zombies (each retails for $19.95 each).  Funnily enough (since I did feel guilty about not playing video games with my kids very often, I did sit down with my daughter and explore each as requested.  First, she and I played Bejeweled.  The game involves rotating gems to make matches in four game modes for every level player from classic to zen and boasts eye-popping graphics and effects.  It kept her engaged and stimulated.  She couldn’t stop playing it.  She loves the glittery jewelry and it’s easy to play.

Next we played Bookworm Adventures.  I’m actually a big fan of Scramble and Scrabble, which this game is reminiscent of, so I became hooked instantly.  My daughter, who is 8, was not as enchanted with this game.  I think she found the game a bit too challenging as it moves fast once you pass higher difficulty levels.  As in Scrabble, players earn more points by creating longer words or words which use less common letters.  I’m kind of worried about the impact this game will have on me, not so much my daughter, but kids of all ages can really play this game and I look forward to playing with my kindergartener who will easily find 2-3 letter sized words.  He’ll love the fact that when you spell a word right, you attack the bad guys.

Finally, we played Plants vs. Zombies, a tower defense game that my daughter was instantly addicted to.  Zombies are creeping on your lawn, and your garden is your last line of defense against these brain-crazy cannibals. You have some pretty peculiar (but useful) plants at your disposal, including pea shooters that spit green balls at the undead, hot tamales that burn everything in their path, and Venus zombie traps. By planting various seeds in strategic locations around your lawn you may be able to hold off the onslaught and keep them from entering your house and eating your brain.  The day after the game was introduced to her, my daughter was clamoring for more.

For the latest PopCap Games news, follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

I’m giving away one of each game mentioned above (PC or Mac version right here on The Culture Mom (estimated value $60 for set of 3 games).  THERE WILL BE TWO WINNERS!

Follow