Common Sense Media to Host 2nd Annual GameOn! Event to Help Families Discover Quality Games for Fun and Learning
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) September 19, 2013 -- Common Sense Media, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a digital world, today announced the second annual GameOn!, a family event/fundraiser focused around four areas: technology, sports, play, and learning. The event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, from 2-5 p.m. at the Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, CA. Interactive "game trucks" and iPads will be loaded with games and apps selected using Common Sense Media's ratings — for age-appropriateness, quality, and learning potential — which are designed to help parents make smart choices about the media in their kids' lives. The afternoon will also feature plenty of offline activities for kids of all ages. Families will walk away with all the guidance they need to find fun, enriching interactive media that they can feel good about, and all for a great cause.
Gaming and digital media highlights include:
• Sneak peek of Activision Publishing Inc.'s newest game in the award-winning, top-selling Skylanders® video game franchise, Skylanders SWAP ForceTM, which launches in the United States on Oct. 13, 2013
• Kidaptive's Leo's Pad, an acclaimed learning app for preschoolers
• New LeapFrog games on the LeapPad Ultra
• NianticLabs@Google's Field Trip app
Notable attendees include Tom Schaar, the youngest-ever X Games gold medalist in skateboarding, and Ashley Rickards, star of MTV's Awkward, both of whom will be "You Got Game" honorees at GameOn! Former NBA stars Baron Davis and Jarron Collins, as well as current players Xavier Henry of the Lakers, JJ Redick of the Clippers, and Jason Collins are also slated to attend. Notable attendees in 2012 included the Lakers' Pau Gasol, plus Greg Kinnear, Sasha Alexander, and Jason Ritter.
GameOn! will also feature non-digital activities for all ages, including the following:
• Skateboard design workshop with CreateASkate. "You Got Game" honoree Tom Schaar's Element Skateboards are exclusively designed by Paul Schmitt of CreateASkate.
• Mini putting green provided by Sweety High, where kids from the documentary The Short Game (in theaters Sept. 20) will offer tips and techniques to young aspiring golfers.
• Science and engineering activities with Two Bit Circus
"Video games, apps, and other digital media are transforming the way that our kids are learning and playing, and parents and educators are eager for information about making the most of the media and technology in their kids' lives," said James Steyer, CEO and founder, Common Sense Media. "GameOn! Is a great opportunity for families to enjoy offline and online activities together, demonstrating that digital media doesn't need to be isolated from movement, play, and learning, and that, in fact, some of our best-rated games can actually promote learning while also entertaining kids."
Food will be provided by Wolfgang Puck and dessert by Sprinkles Cupcakes, with FIJI Water underwriting the cost of beverages.
"Game On is an opportunity to showcase the great work that Common Sense Media does," said Mike Tollin, GameOn! co-chair, Tollin Productions principal, and Common Sense Media board member. "The result is truly a one-of-a-kind event that exhibits quality media and presents a fantastic opportunity for the entertainment industry to celebrate along with us."
Common Sense Media rates games based on age appropriateness to help parents make fully informed decisions about media. Common Sense Media's ratings rely on developmental criteria from the nation's leading child development authorities to determine what content is appropriate for which ages. Newer games also include a rating for learning, which evaluates each game's ability and intent to teach both core skills and 21st-century skills. Every review also includes discussion questions for families and a quality rating on a standard five-star scale.
GameOn! is made possible in part by the generous support of the Wasserman Foundation and Zynga.org, as well as in-kind donations from sponsors including Sony Pictures Entertainment.
GameOn! is open to members of the press. Use the contact information below to RSVP. The event can also be followed on Twitter using hashtag #GameOn2013.
For more information about GameOn! and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.commonsense.org/gameon. All proceeds benefit Common Sense Media, allowing us to provide kids, parents, and educators with the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a constantly connected digital life and to strengthen our local outreach in Los Angeles. Common Sense Media's Los Angeles regional office was recently awarded a generous grant from the Eisner Foundation.
About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to: http://www.commonsense.org.
Press Contacts
Amber Whiteside
415-553-6703
awhiteside(at)commonsense(dot)org
Alexis Vanni
415-553-6728
avanni(at)commonsense(dot)org
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Alexis Vanni, Common Sense Media, +1 4155536728, [email protected]
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