The traditional focus of video games has always been on kids and teens. The stock image of a video gamer has always been a pimpled teenage boy locked up in his room, playing games away from the world. However, this isn’t strictly true anymore and developers have created games that defy this stereotype by appealing to the whole family. Some of these games are classics and some are revolutionary new designs, but all of them are designed to be played by anyone, regardless of age. The following list contains video games everyone in the family can enjoy, but the best ones can be played together, creating an environment where games connect people.

Wii Party U- (Wii U)
Party U proves to be the perfect social game, combining traditional board game concepts with the mini games that made the original Mario Party famous. Guaranteed to keep you and your guests laughing all night, and when you tire of one game, there’s always another one to get started on.

Minecraft (multiple platforms)
Build anything you can imagine; stay alive. These are the objectives of the revolutionary indie video game that has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. The game revolves around breaking and making building blocks to create anything you need to survive and thrive in Minecraft’s world.

Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)
The Mario franchise has come a long way since the days of Super Nintendo and the designers had a high bar to clear to make their latest title a winner. Fortunately, the brilliantly engineered platforming and four person multiplayer ensure that Nintendo has done it again.

Portal 2
The original problem solving game gets an update with a multiplayer mode, where players are required to work together to solve puzzles and work around obstacles. The warp gun still exists; but two person switches and new puzzles create many more hours of entertainment.

Tetris Splash (multiple platforms)
One of the all-time classics makes a hit comeback in this easily accessible version of Tetris. Those familiar with the game will recognize all of the original versions, but there are many more to choose from, including four person multiplayer.

Scene it? Lights, Camera, Action (Xbox 360)
Movie buffs can sink their teeth into this film trivia game, where players are required to name actors, films and scenes from classic movies and modern marvels. The game comes bundled with four custom controllers to complete the game show feel.

Pikmin 3 (Wii U)
Explore the Pikmin planet with the aid of your miniscule helpers. Players control a small army of specialist pikmin to help them explore and collect fruit. Sounds boring? Gamers who remember the first two versions know that it’s anything but.

Knack (PS4)
At first glance, Knack is a standard platforming game, but excellent storytelling and well designed use of the PS4’s new features make this title something that deserves a second look. It’s challenging, but still a laugh to run through on easy mode.

Zoo Tycoon (Xbox One)
Anyone growing up in the 90’s remembers the Zoo Tycoon games, and the latest version comes back with a vengeance. Players can build sustainable exhibits where the animals are humanely treated and create habitats in the same way that real zoo keepers do.

Mario Kart Wii
The latest version of Mario Kart captures all of the fun and simplicity of the original, but adds new levels of skill so players can stay entertained for hours. Steering is accomplished using the gyro sensor in the Wii remotes, creating an intuitive control system that everyone can quickly learn.

Gaming may not be new to the younger ones in the family. But to the young-at-hearts who may come struggling with the rules and mechanics of the games, there are gaming sites they can check out in order to familiarize themselves. Bring out the controllers when everybody’s ready!

Author Bio
Mike Burns has been hooked on video games since childhood. He now spends his time playing, reviewing, and writing about video games. He designed his first game when he was 19.