How GameStop Changed My "No Gaming Zone" Rule

Note: I was invited to an event at GameStop to learn about gaming and products. I was given a gift card, but all thoughts here are my own. 

Until about 60 days ago our home was a "No Gaming Zone."

We didn't own a DS, PS, Wii, or any of those things. I really didn't see them as useful or positive for kids or adults alike. 

That was before I stepped into a GameStop at Christmas time to learn a little about gaming. Upon entering, I felt like I was in a whole new world of lingo, battery needs, cords and more. Thankfully I had help with "translation" from a friendly GameStop team member who spent almost an hour helping me learn the basics on personal gaming systems and consoles. Needless to say after my trip, my son was a proud recipient of his own Nintendo 3DS XL - Mario & Luigi Dream Team Bundle.

What was the change of heart? Why did I decide that gaming could be ok?

Let's start with the stats. From theUK Millennium Cohort Study of 11,000 kids tracked over 10 years: 

• Kids who watched 3+ hours of TV, specifically between ages 5-7, had increased behavioral problems
• When video games were introduced to kids as young as 5, there was no effect on the child's attention, behavior, or emotional health
• Many studies suggest that video games help improve hand-eye coordination, memory formation, and can even help dyslexic children to read better
• Basically, games aren't bad for kids!

And another study from the Entertainment Software Association suggests that games are social: 

• 16% play with parents
• 40% play with friends
• 17% play with their spouse or significant other
• 34% play with other family members
• Video games are a family activity
• 40% of parents play video games with their children at least weekly
• Most video games being sold are not inappropriate for kids
• 73% of the 245.6 million video games sold in 2011 were rated Everyone (E), Teen (T) or Everyone 10+ (E10+)
• 91% of games rated by ESRB in 2012 are E, T or E10+

And after an afternoon with GameStop (and a very patient and friendly team member), I learned that it's even possible to afford games with the PowerUp Program. With both a free and paid version, you can reap real benefits. With a Pro membership at $14.99 annually, you score even more points for purchases and get access to exclusive offers, news and events.  You also get special bonus privileges including a welcome coupon that can score you a free game upon completion of online activation. Plus, 10% discounts on all pre-owned game and accessories purchases and 1 year of Game Informer magazine.

And until Feb. 28, there's one more benefit you'll want to ensure you take up on. 

Inspired by the amazing journey portrayed of the newLightning Returns™: FINAL FANTASY ® XIII (not one of my kid's games) this month’s Epic Reward Giveaway by GameStop will send one lucky winner and a guest on a trip of a lifetime.
The lucky winner and a friend will take a paid trip (food, travel, lodging and spending money
included) to Las Vegas for a dinner and a show. Then they will head to Paris, France to see the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower with a pocket full of spending money to splurge and experience some of the world’s best shopping. It doesn’t stop there. Next stop is Cairo, Egypt to visit the Giza pyramids, the Sphinx Egyptian Museum and the Khan el-Khalil Bazaar. Lastly, they will finish up in Costa Rica by riding ATVs and taking a zip line through the jungles and completing the day by relaxing at a luxurious spa.

PowerUp Rewards members that make transactions at a GameStop store or at www.GameStop.com throughout the month of February will be automatically entered for a chance to win this amazing prize. Eligible transactions include pre-ordering, buying games and accessories or making a trade.

PowerUp Rewards ProTM members automatically receive two entries with each purchase or

trade*. Members can also use their PowerUp Rewards points to get additional entries.

Now that's a "game" worth playing! But remember you've got only until the end of February to enter. 

For more information on becoming a GameStop PowerUp Rewards member, visit www.PowerUpRewards.com and for more information about the GameStop® Epic Reward GiveawayTM, visit www.PowerUpRewards.com/EpicReward.

And remember if you win and you need a plus one, I can make arrangements.