12 video games dads and kids can enjoy for Father’s Day

MANILA, Philippines – Everyone’s been searching for the perfect Father’s Day gift. But the truth is, finding the perfect gift for him doesn’t have to be complicated.

Skip the neckties and mugs this Father’s Day, and give him a new gaming adventure that the entire family can also enjoy together.

We’ve curated a list of the best kid-friendly video games you can play with Dad on his special day. Grab your snacks, controllers, and check out these top recommendations for every Pinoy Papa.

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It Takes Two

It Takes Two is a 2021 cooperative action-adventure game developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts. The critically acclaimed title won the Game of the Year award at the 2021 The Game Awards.

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The game follows the adventures of Cody and May, controlled cooperatively by two players in order to progress through the story.

The game employs a split-screen format for both local and online play, letting players see their characters’ and partners’ actions simultaneously to tackle quests and challenges.

Also praised for its gameplay and story, its generous checkpoint system makes it completely beginner-friendly, ensuring younger kids don’t get frustrated.

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It’s the perfect bonding game to play on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, making it a certified solid choice for a family gaming night.

NBA 2K

The brand of Philippine basketball isn’t complete without the NBA 2K on the list.

This definitive sports video game allows Filipino dads to teach their kids flawless sidesteps, pick-and-rolls, and three-pointers, and to run a fantasy basketball league.

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Settle those bragging rights with a friendly 1v1 exhibition match, or go tag team to conquer the leaderboards in online tournaments.

Go get your controllers, pick your favorite NBA teams, and experience the thrill of hardwood right from the couch.

Minecraft

This open-world sandbox game by Mojang has captured the imaginations of millions of kids and adults globally.

The block-building masterpiece also lets gamers of all ages unleash their imagination, as dads and children can collaborate to build anything from a simple nipa hut to a sprawling digital castle.

Whether you prefer the relaxed pace of Creative Mode or the thrill of gathering resources and fighting off monsters in Survival Mode, it offers a safe, educational, and endlessly replayable environment for gamers aged 6 and up.

Honor of Kings

Any Pinoy mobile gamer dads out there? We got you. The newest MOBA is here, with Honor of Kings (HOK) joining the Philippine servers since 2024.

As one of the most played mobile games in the world, HOK offers highly competitive and accessible 5v5 tactical battles that run smoothly on most smartphones in the Philippines.

Dads can play the role of a roam or support to protect their kids’ marksman or mage characters as they push lanes and destroy the enemy crystal together.

It’s also a great free-to-play option for Pinoy gamers who opt to play on the go.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

No Filipino gaming list is complete without Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), the undisputed titan of mobile esports in the Philippines.

MLBB is deeply embedded in Philippine popular culture, which makes it the perfect bridge for dads to connect with their kids through a shared gaming passion.

Teaming up in ranked or classic matches allows you to practice communication skills, execute those hero combos, and secure that “Victory” screen.

With matches running for only 10-15 minutes, this makes it perfect for fathers and children to still go for that ‘One G’ without consuming too much time.

Stardew Valley

If you’re looking forward to relaxing with your family and having a stress-free gaming experience, then Stardew Valley is for you.

This farming simulator lets your dad and your kid build a thriving homestead through its multiplayer mode by raising farm animals, fishing, watering crops, and mining for gems.

If you’re a dad and you want to teach your kids patience, resource management, and collaboration, then this peaceful and slow-paced game makes an excellent choice for your next gaming session.

Mario Kart World

Hold on to your seatbelts and steering wheels—Mario Kart World brings this ultimate casual racing experience even a notch higher with availability on Nintendo Switch 2.

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Featuring an innovative open-world design along with the classic and chaotic tracks, the game allows players of all skill levels to jump in and enjoy the ride.

Dads can also introduce their young ones to the iconic Nintendo characters like Mario, Luigi, Bowser, and Princess Peach, and the other characters in the franchise.

Thanks to its smart steering assists, younger kids can stay on track and compete for the podium, ensuring smiles and laughter across the finish line.

Split Fiction

From the makers of the award-winning game It Takes Two, Split Fiction also takes the same format as its predecessor, which also uses split screen for cooperative multiplayer gameplay.

In the game, players assume control of either Zoe Foster or Mio Hudson, the two authors who were trapped inside their own stories after being linked to a machine.

This cooperative action-adventure game requires players to complete platforming challenges and also to occasionally defeat hostile enemies along the way.

The platformer is also incredibly smooth, and the game features a respawn mechanic that prevents younger players from feeling penalized for making mistakes.

Among Us

Test your family’s detective skills and your mastery of the art of “palusot” with Among Us, the wildly popular social deduction game that’s also perfect for larger family gatherings on Father’s Day.

This sci-fi party game tasks players with keeping a spaceship running while trying to unmask the hidden Impostors among the crew.

It leads to hilarious accusations, emergency meetings, and unforgettable family banter as dads try to figure out if their kid is acting sus.

It’s lightweight, completely free on mobile devices, and guarantees a chaotic good time for everyone involved.

Pokemon GO

Combine playing video games and doing outdoor activities, and you have Pokémon Go as the perfect augmented reality game to get the family moving.

Pinoy dads can pass on their love for Pikachu and Charizard by taking their kids to catch wild Pokémon at local malls or landmarks.

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Teaming up to take down Raid Bosses, spin PokéStops, and trade monsters brilliantly lets you enjoy fresh air and connect over a shared love for the legendary franchise.

Street Fighter series

Teach ‘em young. We’re pretty sure that the nostalgia of the Street Fighter series still hits you until today.

Whether you’re playing the pixel-perfect retro classics or diving into the modern entries like Street Fighter 6, the franchise offers a perfect mix of martial arts and strategic action that you can introduce to your kids.

Modern control schemes make it easier than ever for kids aged 8 and up to pull off flashy special moves like the Hadouken without complicated button inputs.

This makes matches highly competitive, fair, and incredibly fun for both generations.

Tekken 8

Remember the times you were inserting 5 peso coins in your local arcades during your childhood days just to continue that one Tekken game?

Today, here’s Tekken 8, as it brings the ultimate 3D fighting game experience straight to your modern console or PC.

This high-octane fighting game boasts spectacular graphics, hard-hitting combos, and a diverse roster of fighters, including the Filipino character Josie Rizal and fan-favorites Jin and Kazuya.

The Special Style Control feature lets kids perform jaw-dropping aerial combos with simple button mashes, enabling them to compete head-on with veteran gamer dads in epic living room showdowns.

Call the GGWP in chat

No matter what type of gamer your dad is, video games uniquely unite gamers.

Passing the controller to the next generation is not just about steering a hobby; it’s about creating core memories, sharing endless laughs, and bridging age gaps one level at a time.

This Father’s Day, skip the usual neckties or mugs. Turn on those consoles, charge those mobile phones, and log in to your favorite worlds.

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Have a happy Father’s Day to the Pinoy gamer dads out there, may your frames be high, your ping be low, and your co-op synergy be unmatched. (By Clyde Jan Pascual, INQUIRER.net Intern)