Soapbox: About the Industry

Simple Gifts for Pre-Gamers

by Sandy Antunes
Dec 09,2005

Simple Gifts for Pre-Gamers

by Sandy Antunes

What do you get the young Pre-gamer? 'Tis the time of year to make gift recommendations, but everyone already knows what their RPGer wants. I'm going to focus on RPG-favoring gifts for children ages 2-6. A gift that, while not an RPG, will build RPG-loving habits at an early age and help them develop their burgeoning 'inner RPGer'.

This is, basically, stealth indoctrination to the joy of RPGing. I've found that giving games to my nieces and nephews was less than successful at encouraging them to game. Far too often, parents of such a child think "Oh, a game, I'll toss it to the kid and let them play on their own".

That makes it tough to get a kid into RPGing, because the main path to liking RPGs is first playing in an RPG run by someone else. Also, RPGs require multiple kids. And, RPGs require pulling the kids away from their Playstation 2.

Oh, it's an uphill climb. Too many parents want a game to entertain the kid, out of sight and out of mind. The idea that games are something parents can do with their kids isn't always present. So, instead, we'll make a present that makes the kids want to seek out more.

Oh, and we're going to be cheap about this, because I have too many friends and relatives to buy for. While I'd love to get the best of the fun games that also build proto-RPG skills, I can't afford it.

First among those I would give in a perfect world (infinite cash and parents who play with their kids) would be Apples to Apples Junior. At $15, it's for 1st grade (can read) and up. It teaches the concept that you want to play the players, not the game.

For the younger, not-yet-reading, pre-K set, Moose in the House, at $7, is a great visual card game that introduces young 'uns to 'weasel games', games where the point is to nail the other players. It's fun, it's easy, but it's also got a heck of an endgame strategy to it. A good tactical proving ground, and fun for adults to play with kids or kids to play against each other.

And since everyone should eventually like the Euro 'path' games like Carcassonne, Legend of Landlock ($10) is a great start that works for pre-K and pre-reading. It's a tile-laying game that can be done competitively or cooperatively, or even freeform for the very young. Yet it doesn't bore adults. And unlike the previous two games, it doesn't require a crowd and works for two players.

But, as I said, when gift-giving you can't be sure the parents will take the time to play with the kids. And you can't be sure siblings or friends will play with them. And, not all kids like to read, so 'pick a path' adventures may not yet be in their picture.

So what do you get as a solo activity for a child, that will build them into an eventual roleplaying powerhouse? The answer is simple.

You give them a free dragon, and a castle to destroy. To destroy many times. Oh, and you let them wield scissors and make it-- because _every_ parent will encourage arts and crafts.

Go and buy Vyllage-on-the-Cheep COLOR Buildings Set #1 at $6. Also download the free dragon and free village house.

It's a PDF downloadable, so print a copy of it on stiff paper. Print in color if you have an inkjet or color laser and, face it, who doesn't have a color printer these days? Burn it to a CD to include so the parents can print extra copies for their kiddie.

And-- this is crucial-- print out one building and also the 2 wagons and four horses, and assemble them. Stick them in a shoebox so the kid knows what they just got, and has something neat and touchable to aim for. Toss the papers in a folder, add in a scissors and gluestick if ya wanna be a fancypantsbigbucks.

Now the kid has a great winter project, the parents will happily let the little one alone to assemble... and you're building something for them to create stories. And all kid's stories turn into 'what if', leading them to either RPGing or miniatures combat.

You deserve a reward for your effort. While buying the one item above, you may notice you can then get any and all of the free downloadables RPGNow offers. Go for it! Grab free stuff, print for yourself or to give as gifts!

I may be cheap, but I'm devious. This holiday, you can be, too!

Until next month,
Sandy

p.s. if you really want to have fun, choose every single darn Freebie publishers on RPGNow offer, and click on "burn to a CD" in the cart ($6). That saves you the hassle of click-and-saving dozens of stuff, and means you get a ton of fun free stuff to occupy the next year. Mind you, I think I ticked off James (the RPGNow owner) when I did that last year, but hey, it's all part of the game.