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Family Video Gaming from Chris Jones Gaming

Creating a Healthy and Fun Family Video Gaming Experience


In today’s digital age, This doesn’t mean merely supervising screen time but actively engaging with the gaming world and providing guidance. Here are some tips from Chris Jones Gaming to get you started. 

Encourage Responsible Gaming

Setting clear guidelines for screen time and game content is essential to cultivate a responsible gaming environment. Not all games are suitable for all age groups, so review game ratings and content before they become part of your family’s library. Additionally, establish a balance between gaming and other activities like outdoor play, reading, and family time. This prevents excessive screen use and helps maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Encourage Communication

Open communication forms the backbone of a safe and enjoyable gaming environment. Encourage your children to share their gaming experiences, interests, and concerns. This open dialogue enables you to understand what they’re encountering in the virtual world and provides a platform to discuss the potential negative aspects, such as cyberbullying or inappropriate content.

Explore Diverse Game Genres

Video games are as diverse as books, movies, and music. Introduce your family to a wide array of game genres, from puzzles and adventures to educational and creative games. This broadens horizons, promotes diverse interests and skills, and ensures the gaming experience remains fresh and engaging.

Develop Problem-Solving Skills

In addition to being a source of entertainment, games can be fantastic tools for cognitive development. Choose games that challenge your children’s minds and promote problem-solving abilities. Puzzles, strategy, and adventure games not only provide fun but also contribute to improving critical thinking and decision-making skills.

Use Gaming as a Reward

To maintain a healthy relationship with gaming, use it as a treat or incentive for completing responsibilities. Whether homework, chores, or good behavior, gaming can be an effective motivational tool. This approach reinforces positive behavior while ensuring that gaming does not overshadow other essential aspects of life.

Highlight the Benefits of Gaming

While it’s easy to dwell on potential negatives, it’s equally important to recognize the benefits that gaming offers. Video games can improve decision-making skills, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination. They can even offer educational value, teaching everything from history and geography to complex scientific concepts, all in an engaging and interactive manner.

Design a Multi-Functional Gaming Room

Creating a dedicated gaming and entertainment space in your home is a fantastic way to enhance the gaming experience. This could be a multi-functional room that can also serve as a family movie theater or a chill-out zone. A dedicated gaming room also creates a specific place for electronics, making it easier to monitor usage and maintain a tidy home.

Track Home Improvements

If you do opt for a dedicated gaming room, keep a record of any enhancements you make. This not only helps in maintaining the room but can also add value to your home. Future potential buyers who are gaming enthusiasts will likely appreciate a well-designed entertainment space.

Creating a family-friendly video gaming environment can initially seem daunting, but following the above tips makes it much easier. Remember, moderation, open dialogue, and a wide variety of games can ensure that gaming becomes a positive, enriching part of your family’s life rather than a point of contention. So engage, guide, and enjoy the gaming world with your family, creating shared memories that will last a lifetime.

Chris Jones Gaming has all the gaming tips and information you’ve been looking for. Let us know if you have any questions!

Article by Micah Norris for Chris Jones Gaming

Image via Pexels

Get Paid - Chris Jones Gaming

Get Paid To Do What You Enjoy

Transforming Your Passion into a Thriving Business: Get Paid!

Authored by Micah Norris, for Chris Jones Gaming

Starting a business is an exciting prospect, but it can be even more rewarding when you’re able to turn a cherished hobby into a full-fledged enterprise. Not only do you get to spend your days doing something you truly love, but you also have the opportunity to share your passion with others and make a living from it. However, turning a hobby into a successful business requires careful planning, dedication, and hard work. Chris Jones Gaming explores several crucial steps to help you create a thriving business out of your favorite pastime.

A Comprehensive Business Plan

The first step in turning your hobby into a business is developing a detailed business plan. This document should outline your objectives, target market, pricing strategy, marketing tactics, and financial projections. A well-crafted business plan will not only help you stay organized and focused, but it will also serve as a valuable tool when seeking financing or attracting potential partners.

Your Business as an LLC

One of the most important aspects of starting a business is choosing the right legal structure. Registering as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) can provide you with numerous benefits, such as personal asset protection, tax advantages, and increased credibility. To streamline the process, consider using a formation service to help you navigate the complexities of registering your business. Get Paid.

Thorough Market Research

Before diving into the world of entrepreneurship, it’s essential to research similar businesses in your niche. This will give you valuable insights into the competitive landscape and help you identify potential opportunities for growth. Additionally, understanding your competition will enable you to develop unique selling points that set your business apart from the rest.

Clear Goals and a Winning Strategy

Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve with your business is crucial for long-term success. Establish specific, measurable objectives and develop a strategic plan on how to reach them. This will provide you with a roadmap to follow, making it easier to track your progress and make necessary adjustments along the way.

The Art of Branding

A strong brand identity is essential for any successful business. When it comes to choosing colors as part of your branding strategy, consider the psychological effects they can have on your target audience. Different colors evoke different emotions, so carefully select a color palette that aligns with your brand’s personality and values. If you want to learn more about how color affects branding, then consider this option as a resource. Get Paid.

Your Skillset

While your expertise in your hobby is undoubtedly important, it’s equally crucial to develop skills in other areas to ensure your business thrives. These may include sales, marketing, customer service, and financial management. Invest time in learning these skills, or consider partnering with experts who can complement your talents and help drive your business forward. Get Paid.

Further Education in Business

Going back to school for a business degree can be an excellent way to sharpen your entrepreneurial skills and gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of running a successful enterprise. Studying business administration, finance, or marketing can provide you with invaluable knowledge and resources that can be directly applied to your new venture.

Professional Industry Advice

Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice related to your specific industry. Reach out to mentors, attend workshops or conferences, and join industry-specific forums to learn from the experiences of others who have successfully turned their hobbies into thriving businesses.

In conclusion, transforming your hobby into a full-fledged business is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it requires careful planning, dedication, and hard work. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can build a solid foundation for your new venture and set yourself up for long-term success. Happy Entrepreneuring, and Get Paid!

This article was NOT helped by ChatGPT.

Chris Jones Gaming

Make A Game

At one point Chris Jones Gaming was considering making a game. This was about 15 years ago when we were modifying Star Trek games.

It hasn’t happened, but who is to say it won’t happen. If we were to do that, here’s a bit of what’s involved.

Making a science fiction game involves a lot of stuff, as you might know, including:

  1. Concept development: Developing the game concept, which involves creating the storyline, characters and their interaction with each other, and the setting. This is the foundation upon which the game will be built, where it starts.
  2. Game engine selection: The game engine is the software framework that is used to create the game. Popular game engines used for science fiction games include Unreal Engine, Unity, and CryEngine.
  3. Art and design: Once the game engine is selected, the next step is to create the game’s art and design elements, including 3D models, textures, animations, and user interface.
  4. Programming: The game’s mechanics, features, and interactions are created through programming, using languages such as C++, C#, and Python. I have a few people in mind for this.
  5. Sound and music: Sound and music play a crucial role in immersing players in the game’s world. Game developers must create or license appropriate sound effects and music tracks that fit the game’s theme and mood. I have someone in mind for this.
  6. Testing and debugging: As the game is being developed, it must be tested and debugged to ensure that it is functioning as intended. This involves identifying and fixing bugs, balancing gameplay mechanics, and optimizing performance. This is one of my favorite parts of the process.
  7. Distribution and marketing: Once the game is complete, it must be brought to the gamers of the world. This involves distribution channels, like digital storefronts or physical distribution, and marketing the game through various channels to attract players and fans.

To Make a Game, that is popular, involves quite a lot – and the talent needed isn’t going to work for free. Getting it done involves many different skills and areas of expertise. The author, Chris Jones, is working on all of that. I have talent in mind.

Stay tuned.

I have talked about this before -the fact that I’m bringing it up again means I have not, and will not, drop the idea. Full transparency – I’ve done nothing but think about making a game since I wrote the last article about making a game.

Make a Game - Chris Jones Gaming
Chris Jones Gaming SciFi
Land a career in video games - Chris Jones Gaming

Land a Career in Video Games

Authored by Micah Norris for Chris Jones Gaming

Land a Career in Video Games By Following These Steps

Turning a passion like playing video games into a career may sound like a fantasy, but it’s actually quite achievable if you know where to start. If you have the right training and work on building up a particular skill set, you can begin a career in the gaming industry in no time. The key is to have a clear understanding of aspects like how to stay focused and on task, sussing out customer needs, and getting the right technical training so you can bring your vision to life for your audience in a professional manner. You can also look for resources that will help you learn all you can about the video game industry, and Chris Jones Gaming is a great place to start.

Here are a few things to know about turning your love of video games into a career:

Seek out the right education

Video games are so highly advanced these days that some are visually comparable to big-budget movies, and while they’re not all at that level, most do still require developers to have a wide range of skills. Most individuals who are working in the video game industry are skilled in software design and programming. Even if your goal is to focus on just one aspect of the industry, it will be extremely helpful for you to learn about everything from coding to creating scenery since working on games requires both creative and technical skills.

Make your resume stand out

It can be a challenge to stand out in a sea of talent when you’re ready to look for a job, which is why it’s essential to make sure your resume is all it can be. Think outside the box and get potential employers to notice you by adding a bit of creative flair, but don’t forget to put an emphasis on your skills and achievements. Keep in mind that you can create a fantastic, professional resume by using a free online template that allows you to customize it with your choice of colors, fonts, copy, and images. This will take some of the pressure off as you prepare to find your dream job.

Put in the time in order to find a job

Even with a great resume, you’ll need to put in some time when it comes to finding a job. This includes playing a variety of different games to learn all you can about design and gameplay and can also involve starting a gaming blog or vlog to get your name out there and provide a base for networking. You might even create your own game and give potential employers an idea of your skills. It’s also a good idea to remain open to internships, which can help you get your foot in the door and start connecting with like-minded creators.

Start your own video game businessLand a career in video games

As you start working on your blog and begin the search for a job, you might consider the benefits of starting your own video game-based business. There are tons of options available these days for individuals who have the skills and tools, from building a great app for a mobile game to creating a coding tool that other developers can use.

If you have marketing experience, you might start a business using those skills to help video game developers share their creations with the world. Whatever you decide to do, just make sure you have some protection on your side in the form of a business structure like an LLC. Forming an LLC will provide tax benefits and keep your personal assets safe, and while every state has its own rules about formation, you can read up on the steps and hire a service to file the paperwork in New York.

Getting involved in the video game industry can take a little time, whether you want to find a job with an established company or start your own video game-based business. Try to remain patient as you build your skills, create a stellar resume, and gain experience in the developing world.

Have a video game question? Get in touch with Chris today.

Land a Career in Video Games By Following These Steps

The Right Timing

Sci-Fi Short Story close to release

Updating this post I’d like to say that the short story is close to release.

I’m quite proud of this.

Here is a small blurb from it.

“What Just Happened? Just then the intercom in the Captain’s quarters beeped. Dane responded with “Briggs here, what is it?” His First officer, second in command, came on and said, Happy Birthday, Sir. The Crew would like to wish you a Happy Birthday in person. There’s a cake with your name on it in the lounge”.

Watch for updates here.

Cover illustration by Olsie.

As for the game I mention in that previous post, it is still in concept stage, based on the final edits of the short story.

Update Sept 19, 2022 – The Short Story has been released on Amazon – Click this!!!

First Playable 2022

Italian Video Game Awards

International Industry Leaders Celebrate a lot of Talent!

Milan, 9 June 2022: Italian Interactive Digital Entertainment Association (IIDEA), Italy’s video game trade body representing the national games industry and fostering the growth and development of the sector, is proud to announce the nominees of this year’s prestigious Italian Video Game Awards. The ceremony is set to air in July on the opening night of First Playable 2022; originally the premier international gaming B2B event in Italy, First Playable is making an in-person return following the pandemic for its 4th edition of bringing together the Italian games industry.

In addition to the trio of categories whose nominees are listed below, the Italian Video Game Awards will also bestow recognition on the worthy winners of Outstanding Italian Company and Outstanding Individual Contribution.

“There’s so much talent in the Italian games industry, it’s a privilege to play a role in championing and celebrating it”, said Thalita Malagò, General Manager at IIDEA. “The Italian Video Game Awards put the spotlight on the growth and excellence of our industry. Seeing the work that’s being produced, by larger studios and indie developers alike, it’s clear that the future of Italy’s games industry is bright.”

The jury for this year’s awards was built on a foundation of different perspectives, from both games industry figureheads and leading specialized members of the press. Renowned game developer, studio founder and consultant Rami Ismail, ex-PlayStation Access host and currently Head of Influencers and Engagement at Frontier Developments Hollie Bennett, and Jon Goddard of metaverse developer Lockwood Publishing and formerly Jagex brought their vast industry experience and expertise to the judging panel.

Leaders in specialist video game media approached the judging process with their broad, industry-wide scope of knowledge to access submissions to the highest standards. MCV/DEVELOP’s Editor Richie Shoemaker, Global Editor-in-Chief of GamesRadar+ Sam Loveridge and Vikki Blake whose work can be seen across some of the world’s largest games B2B and B2C outlets including BBC, Eurogamer, GamesIndustry.biz, MTV and PC Gamer formed the second half of the 2022 jury.

With the judges having evaluated submissions and cast their votes, here are the chosen nominees (in alphabetical order) for the Italian Video Game Awards 2022:

Best Italian Game

  1. Dice Legacy by DESTINYbit
  2. Faraday Protocol by Red Koi Box
  3. Hot Wheels Unleashed by Milestone
  4. Martha is Dead by LKA
  5. Vesper by Cordens Interactive
Italian Video Game Awards

Best Italian Debut

  1. Angry Giant by Jokerrsoft
  2. Faraday Protocol by Red Koi Box
  3. Nostalgici Anonimi by Hufu Interactive Storytelling
  4. RiMS Racing by RaceWard Studio
  5. Vesper by Cordens Interactive
Italian Video Game Awards - Chris Jones Gaming

Best Innovation

  1. CUCCCHI by Fantastico Studio
  2. Dice Legacy by DESTINYbit
  3. Hundred Days – Winemaking Simulator by Broken Arms Games
  4. Martha is Dead by LKA
  5. Vesper by Cordens Interactive

You can check out the nominations for this year’s awards, and read about the jury, over at www.firstplayable.it/italian-video-game-awards/. The Italian Video Game Awards ceremony will take place on 5th July at 6pm BST/7pm CEST, hosted by internationally revered games industry presenters, and will be available to stream in English via FirstPlayable – Twitch.

Italian Video Game Awards - supported by Chris Jones Gaming
Summer Games Fest 2022 on Chris Jones Gaming

Summer Game Fest 2022

Here’s what up with Summer Game Fest!

Summer Game Fest 2022 starts today!

This is the world’s first fully digital, global celebration of video games. Launched in May of 2020, Summer Game Fest unites the entire video game industry for a summer celebration, featuring digital events, demos, announcements, and breaking news for video game fans.

Chris Jones Gaming is looking forward to this!

SUMMER GAME FEST 2022 is taking place during the month of June. Specific event dates will be announced in the coming weeks. Follow them HERE!

Chris Jones Gaming

Let’s Make a Game

Chris Jones Gaming was founded in Late 2006 by Chris Jones and Mindwipe. Chris Jones had been a well known member of the Star Trek Gaming Community for a number of years, modding games in the Starfleet Command series and 2002’s Star Trek: Bridge Commander.

It wasn’t long before Modders who’d known him in the past joined Chris Jones Gaming and began work on the Ultimate Universe Mod for 2006’s Star Trek: Legacy.

The team grew to a respectable size and the Ultimate Universe Demo was released just four months later. Over the next four years, the Ultimate Universe Mod and Chris Jones Gaming continued to grow, releasing expansion packs to the mod in between the feature installs, which were named Ultimate Universe Version 1.0 and Ultimate Universe Version 2.0, as well as attracting some of the brightest talents from other communities, their scratch-built models reaching professional standards.

The Ultimate Universe Mod is one of our proudest achievements. Through its various incarnations, it has been downloaded many thousands of times from various websites, in our own way greatly expanding and extending the life of Star Trek: Legacy beyond what would have been its natural life.

What’s Next? We are alive and well here – and are in the discussion stages for creating a brand new game! (as of June 4, 2022).

so.. Let’s Make a Game!

Chris Jones Gaming

Let's Make a Game
Rogue Company

Rogue Company

Top Scientist ‘Juke’ Revealed as Upcoming Character

From big tech company to Rogue Company

ATLANTA – MAY 25 – Today, Rogue Company reveals in a cinematic trailer their new peppy recruit, Juke. She will become the 25th playable Rogue with the next game update, scheduled for June. All details will become available soon.

New Rogue ‘Juke’ – Trailer

In Rogue Company’s first narrative event two weeks ago, Juke’s Gambit, preliminary details were revealed to players. Juke is the woman responsible for the engineering of the world’s first fully sentient Artificial Intelligence, as she used to be the brilliant brains of big tech company Furmi.62. Now that her life’s work has potentially been stolen by Jackal, the Rogues’ rivals, she rallies Rogue Company in search of answers.

On the battlefield, Juke’s distinguishing mark will be her rocket boots. Both on the ground and mid-air, they allow her dodge roll to turn into a dash, propelling her forward in the blink of an eye. This makes Juke the most mobile Defender to date. To secure objectives, she can deploy a laser defense drone standing guard and continuously firing at enemies until destroyed.

May 26, 2022 3pm – All details about Juke will be shared during the Update Show on YouTube.

June 7 – Everyone will be able to unlock Juke just by playing Rogue Company.

Rogue Company graphic
Hot Wheels Unleashed on Chris Jones Gaming

Hot Wheels Unleashed

Mattel and Milestone announce the HOT WHEELS™ – Looney Tunes Expansion for Hot Wheels Unleashed™

Here’s a teaser: https://youtu.be/UjmsR2c6zeQ

Theale, UK, May 23, 2022 – Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) and Milestone, a leading global racing game developer, announce today the HOT WHEELS™ – Looney Tunes Expansion for Hot Wheels Unleashed™, licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, that will be available starting from July 14, 2022.

The Looney Tunes Expansion makes the competition really animated with five new vehicles, a themed Track Builder Modulethemed customisation items for the Basement and the Player’s Profile, and a new environment where players can relive the hilarious adventures of the classic animated series: the Looney Tunes Adventure Park. This is a theme park divided into 4 areas, including the iconic desert set of Wile E. Coyote™’s epic fails.

The Looney Tunes Expansion is included in the HOT WHEELS™ Pass Vol. 3 or can be purchased separately from July 14, 2022. Together with the Looney Tunes Expansion, the HOT WHEELS™ Pass Vol. 3 also includes 9 vehicles, 3 Themed Customization Packs and 3 Track Builder Modules and can be purchased from June 9, 2022.

This looks like a bunch of fun. I’ll be checking it out!

This game will me mentioned at the Italian Video Game Awards in July 2022.