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Ask Slashdot: Best Linux Game For Young Kids?

Posted by samzenpus on from the starting-them-early dept.

First time accepted submitter pseudorand writes "I have a 3 year old that I've so far kept away from TV and computers. I met a gamer who has a 1 year old that plays xbox (probably better than I do). I believe kids should experience the real world first, but computers will obviously be a basic job still for the foreseeable future and I'm afraid I'm letting my kid fall behind. I'd like to responsibly introduce my son to computers so he can start developing hard-eye coordination, typing skills and learning UI concepts. What's the best (Linux, of course) game to get a kid started with? Shoot-em-up's are obviously out, but I'm more concerned with something that will help him understand how to interact with a mouse, keyboard and screen and hold his attention rather than something 'educational' because there's plenty of (probably more effective) ways to teach math, reading, etc. that don't involve a computer. So far I've tried Tux Racer, which held his attention for 10 minutes or so. He doesn't quite get pressing multiple keys simultaneously yet."

4 of 338 comments (clear)

  1. nethack by neo8750 · · Score: 5, Funny

    nethack or if you can find rouge both great games from my childhood

    1. Re:nethack by sadness203 · · Score: 3, Funny

      Nothing like cannibalism, rotten corpses and laying naked with succubus (or incubus) to help a child grow up.

  2. Re:Don't give him a game by The123king · · Score: 3, Funny

    Beers to a 12YO? I've been drinking since the age of 5! And it hasn't killed any brain cells off yet!! Ooooh, something shiny!

    --
    If you gave me a choice between a printer and a giraffe with explosive diarrhoea, i'll get my ladder and my raincoat
  3. Re:Don't give him a game by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Technically speaking, that is ALL that life is about..