The TOMMI experts

"Start playing! Don't stop playing! And above all: Play with your children! This is not only fun but also ensures that children learn how to handle games responsibly. Hardly anywhere else is educational behavior as much fun as when you drive Mario Kart with the whole family."

"What makes most games fascinating is that you can dive into new worlds that follow their very own rules. And if these rules are designed in such a way that the player understands them intuitively and doesn't feel constrained, then that contributes decisively to the quality of a game."

"Anyone who has played video games like 'What remains of Edith Finch,' 'Batman: Arkham VR,' or 'Transference' will have no doubt that this medium can provide emotionally moving, literary experiences that are on par with books in their impact - rather the opposite."

"For me, play is an approach to the world: being open to the unexpected, trying things out, exploring with curiosity, failing and overcoming challenges. It teaches many values that you don't recognize at first glance. And the best thing about it: it's fun. 😊"

“When asked why people play, the AI replied: ‘Because it’s a fundamental biological and psychological drive that’s fun, helps with learning, and strengthens social bonds. Within the safe, rule-based framework of play, we can try out new skills without risk and relieve stress.’ I have nothing to add to that.”

"Don't be afraid of games. They are not evil, but can also be a lot of fun. Especially in a small round with friends. Then a round of 'Mario Kart' is no different than 'Four Wins.' But at the same time, games are not babysitters."

“Video games are far more than just mindless entertainment. They are spaces for creativity, community, and new perspectives. In games, we build worlds, solve problems, and tell stories that we ourselves can become a part of. That is why video games should not be viewed as a waste of time or a fringe phenomenon, but rather as one of the most exciting cultural forms of our time.”

"Playing should be fun: That applies to electronic toys just as much as to purely digital games. If practical skills are also trained or learning content is taught in the process, this has great potential."

"Video games are interactive narratives, which means you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the worlds described in them and experience things that remain closed to you in real life. A good game should be supported narratively as well as playfully by a good idea, to which all elements of the game are subordinate."

“Libraries promote social participation through gaming programs, especially for children and teens. And we educators learn along with them—both by playing together and through our interactions with one another. What we find enjoyable, teens might find boring. Just as in society at large, the same principle applies here: more interaction with one another so we can learn from each other.”

"It's not always easy to describe what video games mean to you, but for many gamers they are lifelong companions. They let us explore fantastic worlds, look inwards and outwards and, more importantly, they connect players' hearts: Player 2 - Press Start."

“For me, playing is an expression of one’s own creativity. You immerse yourself in another world, become part of it, and can let your imagination run wild. Games broaden our horizons and enrich our experiences. That’s what makes playing so special. Sharing this experience with others is an important task.”

"Good games create a flow that makes the player forget time and space. Particularly good games additionally stimulate the emotional world."

"Good games bring us together in front of the screen to laugh, cry, learn, and find hope."

"Not every child who likes to gamble is a gambling addict. Talk to your children, or no even better: play with your children. Let them get involved in the experiment and be infected by their children's enthusiasm."

“I love stories—and good games often tell very special ones. You can immerse yourself in other worlds, see things from different perspectives, learn something, and even become part of the story yourself. As parents and educators, we should be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of games and help children use them in a meaningful way.”

"Don't leave the child alone with his or her games, but keep glancing at the monitor or TV. Just play along, ask what's interesting at the moment or what's hot among friends at school. Leave the pedagogical forefinger down sometimes and don't rigorously forbid..."

“Because, for me, games have always been more than just entertainment—they’re the best medium for learning about complex topics: understanding systems, processing information, practicing cooperation, strategic planning, and so much more. Good games are both works of art in motivation and learning!”

"Good video games tell stories, bring people together, and give kids the opportunity to try out different roles. Of course, there are problems with some games: cyber bullying, data protection gaps, cost traps. But we shouldn't demonize games per se, but accept that they are part of children's everyday lives."

"It's like all media: get smart and interested in the games your kids are playing. Watch them play or play along and ask them to suggest a game they think would suit you."