Is a 10 year old a big kid?
As an expert gamer and content creator, I get asked often – is a 10 year old truly a "big kid" when it comes to gaming? My answer? Absolutely. Age 10 marks a pivotal transition that opens up new gaming possibilities.
Tweens Have Outgrown Little Kid Games
By age 10, those simple mobile games for young kids no longer cut it. Tweens have more complex cognitive abilities, including faster information processing, expanding memory, and increased attention spans (see table below). This allows them to strategize, follow intricate storylines, and focus for longer periods. They need a new tier of games with more depth and complexity.
| Age Group | Cognitive Abilities |
| Young Kids | Concrete thinking, limited attention spans |
| Tweens | Abstract thinking emerges, processing speeds up, longer attention spans |
| Teens | Advanced reasoning, decision making improves, focus capabilities increase |
Physically, their visual and auditory capabilities have sharpened from early childhood as well. So rich, vibrant visuals and stirring soundtracks become more important for drawing them in.
Their interests are evolving too from unicorns and racecars to team competitions and creative building. This impacts what game narratives, characters, and mechanics appeal most at this age.
Social and Emotional Changes Impact Gaming
Socially, peer influence and communication accelerates during the tween gamer years. Playing multiplayer games gives tweens an important social outlet to connect with friends.
In fact, 63% of 8-12 year olds play multiplayer games at least weekly (Source: Kids & Gaming 2020 Report). These social interactions come with growing pains though, including potential exposure to bullying and harassment. Tween gamers need guidance on safe, positive communication habits.
Emotionally, building confidence and identity are also crucial developmental tasks at this age. Games allow tweens to independently problem solve, take calculated risks, and expand their horizons safely through play. Finding games that align with maturing interests is key during this exploratory tween phase.
Top Franchises Entertaining Age 10 Gamers
So amidst all these pivotal changes, what games and franchises rule the roost for 10 year old big kid gamers? Here are current top picks based on industry sales data, gameplay stats, and fan surveys:
| Minecraft | Fortnite |
| Lego Video Games | Pokemon |
| Super Mario Franchise | Animal Crossing |
These nostalgic and engaging worlds allow for creativity, adventure, and social connections – perfectly catering to the tween phase. The strategic thinking, motor skills, and spatial awareness built through gameplay also prep gamers for the next level of challenges on the horizon once the teenage years commence.
In Summary: Age 10 Gamers Come Into Their Own
So in my expert opinion as a lifelong gamer and industry content creator: yes, 10 years olds perfectly qualify as "big kid" gamers. This tween era marks a turning point with enhanced cognitive faculties, new social motivations, and evolving emotional needs that set them apart from their younger counterparts.
It‘s an edgework phase filled with lessons in responsibility, identity, and independence – an important crossroads before teenage gaming years arrive with more mature titles. Understanding the unique landscape of tween gaming is key for developers aiming to make the next big game for this demographic.
