A children-raising game called "Chinese Parents" has gained popularity among Chinese players recently with its real-life setting and realistic plots. Released on September 29, this online game has received over 13,000 comments on Tencent WeGame and Steam, two popular gaming platforms in China, in less than a month, according to data from the two platforms.
"Why not re-experience the joy of changing your life through the game?" said Sun Shoubin, 28-year-old in the city of Zibo in east China's Shandong Province. He spent almost all his spare time on the game as soon as he downloaded it.
Players are responsible for cultivating their fictitious children online. During the lifetime of these children, they must make vital choices for them just like Chinese parents do in real life, such as choosing extra-curricular classes, deciding their majors in universities,and even finding marriage partners for them.A "child's" physical condition, IQ level, and imagination can be improved by attending courses arranged by the player "parents" in each round of the game.
"From the game, I also learned that ongoing efforts can bring about great changes to our lives." Su said. "I can understand my parents more,and show my appreciation for the hardships they have overcome for raising and training me."
Chinese parents are more likely to plan almost everything for their children. Social issues about Chinese parents, families, and education of children tend to arouse heated discussions. "I integrated these ideas into the game, creating a sense of ‘rebirth' for players and driving them to experience a virtual child-rearing life through entertainment," said Yang Geyilang, the game producer.
Some negative comments were also made by the game players. "This game is somewhat controversial," a player named Producer Kalin commented, highlighting that although exams are important we cannot regard the scores as the only standard to judge a child, which has become a routine for many Chinese families.
