If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your child’s computer screen and wondering, "What in the world is that game?", you're not alone. You might remember playing Atari or old-school arcade games, back when multiplayer meant sharing a joystick with your sibling. But today’s games are a completely different universe, especially online strategy titles like Artifacts a game that has captured the attention of young gamers for decades.
What Is Artifact?
Artifacts is an online multiplayer computer game originally developed by SAMU Games in the late 1990s. Unlike the flashy games kids play on consoles today, Artifacts has remained a staple in online PC gaming because of its unique world-building mechanics and strategic gameplay. Players enter a shared online world where they can chat with friends, team up for battles, and unlock virtual artifacts that boost their power and status within the game.
It’s more than just a game it’s a virtual social environment that encourages community, strategy, and competition.
Why Kids Love It (And What You Should Know)
Like many online games, Artifacts is full of secrets, tactics, and yes, even cheat codes that seasoned players pass down. These so-called “cheats” often involve shortcuts or hidden commands that give players a leg up. And while they might sound mischievous, they’re a huge part of what makes the game community vibrant and interactive.
But beyond entertainment, games like Artifacts can offer real-world benefits. They help players develop:
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Quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination
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Strategic thinking and decision-making
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Collaborative problem-solving
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Digital communication skills
These skills can translate into stronger academic performance and even career advantages later in life, especially in fields like tech, design, or problem-solving environments.
The Downside: Too Much of a Good Thing?
Despite the benefits, there’s also a concern: overuse. When gaming becomes a child’s main social outlet or primary hobby, it can create an imbalance between virtual and real-world interactions.
Many parents worry that constant gaming might limit face-to-face social skills or lead to isolation. And there’s truth in that. Kids who rely solely on digital spaces may struggle to build deep, personal connections in the real world.
So What’s the Solution? Balance.
The key isn’t banning the game altogether it’s creating balance. Encourage your child to enjoy games like Artifacts in moderation. Set clear limits for screen time, encourage outdoor play, and prioritize activities that require real-world interaction.
Ideas to help maintain that balance:
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Limit gaming to certain hours per day or week
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Require offline time with friends, whether through sports, clubs, or unstructured play
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Join in the digital fun occasionally to understand your child’s gaming world better
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Reinforce the idea that relationships both online and offline require effort and boundaries
The Takeaway
You may not fully understand the digital world your child is growing up in, and that’s okay. What matters is your willingness to stay informed and involved. Games like Artifacts aren’t just distractions they can be opportunities for growth when used mindfully.
Years from now, you might smile as you remember how invested your child was in that game. And you’ll know that your guidance helped them become not just a great gamer, but a well-rounded person too.