Yesterday we had a small family celebration in advance of my son’s 10th birthday. As kids are wont to do as they get older, he requested cash. And cash he received. He is apparently saving for an iPad mini – which was news to me. While he is a fervent reader, I’m sure he wants an iPad mini for gaming (he is a heavy kindle user). I didn’t feel it necessary to ask if that was in fact the intention. The frequent requests to check his “Clash of Clans” on my iPad seems to be sufficient evidence.
I haven’t asked why an iPad mini instead of a full size iPad. Presumably because of what he has seen his friends use – or perhaps because it is less expensive. I imagine it definitely could be the latter. Nor have I asked why an iPad mini instead of a Nexus 7. Here I presume the influence of friends. My Nexus 7 goes little used by anyone.
I did asked if he knew there were new Xbox One and PS4 game consoles coming out later this year. He didn’t. Nor did this new found knowledge appear to dissuade him from his desire to buy an iPad mini.
He is only one kid and this is just one conversation. But the implications for the long-term viability of gaming is evident.
