Parents get into the gaming loop

By: Allison McNeal

Parents are now embracing a new technique to see what games are out on the market for their children.

Aol is releasing a new Web site called PlaySavvy.com, which allows parents to look at new video games that are being released.

The new site offers parents a guide to games, from ratings and reviews to connecting with other parents about making informed buying decisions.

According to MediaPost.com, the main attraction is Gaming 101, which "explains the rating system for games promulgated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board as well as how to use parental controls on different game systems such as PlayStation and the Xbox."

Gaming 101 also provides tips on which online games and sites are safe for children.

"Parents are often not aware that games have ratings on them," Libe Goad, the editor in chief of PlaySavvy, said. "There really still is a huge lack of knowledge about game ratings and what they mean. People just don't pay attention sometimes."

PlaySavvy's main target group are toward mothers, who they believe primarily run the household and pay more attention to what entertainment their kids are being exposed to.

Game systems, age and content are all displayed on this site, along with reviews and recommendations supplied by Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that allows parents information and advice about media and entertainment choices.

Another feature allows parents to conduct a question and answer session with a panel of AOL women who work in the gaming industry.

Even though PlaySavvy is about selling, a huge concern of this site is safety.

The site will carry advertising geared to its target audience "by creating appealing campaigns around the content," said Goad.

Advertising on the site will resemble AOL Games, which can include spots from major consumer brands.

In addition to advertising, PlaySavvy's buying advice also encourages parents to get games or game systems their kids really want.

Parents and children can both profit from PlaySavvy by giving parents the needed information about a game and allowing kids to receive the game of their dreams.