NFL Pick Plays: Rules, Strategies, and Controversies Explained

What are pick plays in football. How do NFL teams execute legal pick plays. When do pick plays become offensive pass interference. Why are pick plays controversial in the NFL. How can defenses counter pick play strategies.

Understanding Pick Plays in NFL Football

Pick plays, also known as “rub routes,” are offensive strategies used in American football to create separation for receivers and potentially gain an advantage over defensive players. These plays involve one offensive player impeding the progress of a defensive player, allowing another offensive player to get open for a pass. While pick plays can be highly effective, they often walk a fine line between legal offensive maneuvering and illegal interference.

What Defines a Pick Play?

A pick play occurs when an offensive player, typically a wide receiver or tight end, runs a route designed to obstruct or “pick” a defensive player covering another receiver. This action creates space for the second receiver to get open and potentially make a catch. The effectiveness of pick plays lies in their ability to exploit man-to-man coverage and create mismatches or confusion in the defensive backfield.

NFL Rules Governing Pick Plays

The NFL rulebook addresses pick plays under the broader category of offensive pass interference. According to Rule 8, Section 5, Article 2 of the 2013 NFL rulebook, prohibited acts that constitute pass interference include “cutting off the path of an opponent by making contact with him, without playing the ball.” This definition forms the basis for regulating pick plays in professional football.

The Gray Area of Intent

One of the most challenging aspects of enforcing rules on pick plays is determining intent. Officials must judge whether the offensive player deliberately impeded the defender or if the contact was incidental due to congestion on the field. This subjective element often leads to inconsistent calls and debates among players, coaches, and fans.

Legal vs. Illegal Pick Plays: Walking the Fine Line

NFL teams have become adept at designing and executing pick plays that skirt the line between legal and illegal. The key to a legal pick play often lies in the subtle details of the receiver’s movement and positioning.

Characteristics of Legal Pick Plays

• Minimal or incidental contact with defenders
• Receivers maintaining their own route integrity
• Picks occurring within one yard of the line of scrimmage
• No obvious blocking motions or extended arms

Red Flags for Illegal Pick Plays

1. Blatant contact or collisions with defenders
2. Receivers deviating from their routes to impede defenders
3. Blocking more than one yard beyond the line of scrimmage
4. Grabbing or pushing defenders

Strategies for Executing Effective Pick Plays

Teams like the Denver Broncos have gained a reputation for their proficiency in executing pick plays. Their success often stems from careful design and precise execution that exploits the rulebook’s ambiguities.

Key Elements of Successful Pick Plays

Effective pick plays typically involve:

• Precise timing between receivers
• Quick releases off the line of scrimmage
• Subtle changes in speed to create traffic
• Maintaining a natural-looking route progression

Defensive Strategies to Counter Pick Plays

As pick plays have become more prevalent, defenses have developed strategies to counteract their effectiveness. Understanding and recognizing common pick play formations is crucial for defensive backs and linebackers.

Defensive Adjustments

Some defensive tactics to neutralize pick plays include:

• Switching assignments between defenders
• Using zone coverage in high-risk situations
• Communicating pre-snap to identify potential picks
• Practicing recognition and reaction to common pick formations

The Controversy Surrounding Pick Plays in the NFL

Pick plays remain a contentious topic in NFL circles. Critics argue that they often violate the spirit of the rules, even if they technically adhere to the letter of the law. Proponents contend that pick plays are a legitimate offensive strategy when executed properly.

Arguments For and Against Pick Plays

Those in favor of pick plays argue that they add complexity and strategic depth to offensive schemes. Detractors claim that pick plays give offenses an unfair advantage and can lead to dangerous on-field collisions.

The Future of Pick Plays in Professional Football

As the NFL continues to evolve, the debate over pick plays is likely to persist. Some speculate that the league may introduce more specific rules or enforcement guidelines to address the ambiguity surrounding these plays.

Potential Rule Changes

Future modifications to pick play regulations could include:

• Clearer definitions of legal and illegal contact
• Expanded use of instant replay for offensive pass interference calls
• Stricter penalties for repeated violations
• Additional training for officials to improve consistency in calls

Impact of Pick Plays on NFL Offensive Schemes

Pick plays have significantly influenced offensive strategies across the NFL. Teams have integrated these plays into their playbooks, particularly in crucial situations like red zone possessions and third-down conversions.

Evolution of Offensive Playbooks

The incorporation of pick plays has led to:

• More complex route combinations
• Increased emphasis on receiver positioning and timing
• Greater reliance on quick, short-yardage passing games
• Development of specialized roles for slot receivers and tight ends

How have pick plays changed the dynamics of NFL offenses? Pick plays have revolutionized passing attacks by creating mismatches and exploiting man coverage. They’ve forced defenses to adapt, leading to more sophisticated coverage schemes and an ongoing chess match between offensive and defensive coordinators.

Case Studies: Memorable Pick Play Moments in NFL History

Throughout NFL history, there have been several notable instances where pick plays have played a crucial role in game outcomes. These moments often spark debate and sometimes lead to rule clarifications or changes.

Controversial Pick Play Calls

Some of the most talked-about pick play incidents include:

• The 2013 AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos
• The 2014 AFC Divisional Playoff between the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots
• Super Bowl XLIX’s game-winning touchdown by the New England Patriots

What can we learn from these controversial plays? These high-profile incidents highlight the need for clearer guidelines and more consistent enforcement of pick play rules. They also demonstrate the significant impact these plays can have on crucial moments in important games.

Training and Preparation for Pick Plays

NFL teams invest considerable time and resources in perfecting their pick play execution. This preparation involves not only the players but also collaboration with officiating crews to understand the nuances of the rules.

Coaching Techniques for Pick Plays

Coaches focus on several key areas when teaching pick plays:

• Timing and synchronization between receivers
• Body positioning to avoid blatant contact
• Reading defensive alignments to identify opportunities
• Practicing various pick play scenarios in different field positions

How do teams ensure their pick plays remain legal? Many organizations bring in officiating crews during training camp to review rules and provide clear examples of what constitutes legal and illegal pick plays. This interaction helps players understand the fine line they must walk when executing these plays.

The Psychology of Pick Plays

Pick plays not only have a physical impact on the field but also a psychological one. They can create frustration and uncertainty among defensive players, potentially leading to mental errors or hesitation.

Mind Games on the Field

The psychological aspects of pick plays include:

• Increased defensive communication to counter pick attempts
• Heightened awareness and anticipation among defensive backs
• Potential for defensive players to play more conservatively to avoid picks
• Mental preparation for both offenses and defenses to handle pick play situations

How do pick plays affect the mental game of football? Pick plays add an extra layer of complexity to the already intricate chess match between offenses and defenses. They force defenders to make split-second decisions and can create doubt, which skilled offensive players can exploit.

The Role of Technology in Pick Play Analysis

As technology continues to advance, its role in analyzing and understanding pick plays has become increasingly significant. Teams and officials now have access to sophisticated tools that can provide detailed insights into these plays.

Technological Advancements in Play Analysis

Modern technology used in pick play analysis includes:

• High-speed cameras for frame-by-frame review
• Advanced tracking systems to monitor player movements
• Data analytics to identify patterns and tendencies
• Virtual reality simulations for player training

How has technology impacted the way teams approach pick plays? The integration of advanced analytics and video review has allowed teams to fine-tune their pick play strategies and execution. It has also provided officials with better tools to make more accurate calls, although the human element of judgment remains crucial.

International Perspectives on Pick Plays

While pick plays are most commonly associated with American football, similar concepts exist in other sports around the world. Understanding these parallels can provide insight into the universal nature of creating space and advantages in team sports.

Pick Plays in Global Sports

Examples of pick-like plays in other sports include:

• Basketball screens and picks
• Rugby dummy runners
• Soccer’s off-ball movements to create space
• Handball’s blocking and screening tactics

What can the NFL learn from how other sports handle similar plays? Examining how other sports regulate and execute pick-like plays could provide valuable insights for the NFL as it continues to refine its approach to these controversial tactics.

The Economics of Pick Plays

The effectiveness of pick plays can have significant economic implications for NFL teams and players. Successful execution of these plays can lead to improved offensive performance, potentially impacting contract negotiations, team success, and even ticket sales.

Financial Impacts of Pick Play Proficiency

Economic factors influenced by pick plays include:

• Player contract values for receivers skilled in pick play execution
• Team investments in coaching staff specializing in pick play design
• Potential fines and penalties for repeat offenders of illegal pick plays
• Marketing and fan engagement opportunities around high-profile pick play moments

How do pick plays affect the business side of football? Teams that excel at executing legal pick plays may see increased offensive production, leading to more wins and potentially higher revenues. Conversely, teams frequently penalized for illegal picks might face financial repercussions and negative public perception.

Fan Engagement and Pick Plays

Pick plays have become a topic of intense discussion among NFL fans, often sparking debates on social media and sports talk shows. This engagement adds another layer to the pick play controversy and influences public perception of teams and players.

Fan Reactions to Pick Plays

Common fan perspectives on pick plays include:

• Admiration for the strategic complexity of well-executed picks
• Frustration over perceived unfair advantages
• Debates over specific instances of pick plays in crucial game moments
• Calls for rule changes or stricter enforcement

How do pick plays impact fan enjoyment of the game? While some fans appreciate the strategic nuances of pick plays, others feel they detract from the spirit of fair competition. This divide in fan opinion adds to the ongoing conversation about the place of pick plays in modern football.

The Future of Football: Beyond Pick Plays

As the NFL continues to evolve, pick plays represent just one aspect of the ongoing tactical arms race between offenses and defenses. Looking ahead, it’s important to consider how the game might change and what new strategies might emerge.

Emerging Trends in Football Strategy

Potential future developments in football tactics include:

• Increased use of pre-snap motion to create mismatches
• Further integration of analytics in real-time play-calling
• Development of new defensive schemes to counter evolving offensive tactics
• Potential rule changes to address player safety and game balance

What might football look like in the coming years? As strategies continue to evolve, pick plays may become just one tool in an increasingly complex offensive arsenal. The future of football will likely see a continued emphasis on creating space and exploiting defensive weaknesses, with new innovations building upon the foundations laid by tactics like pick plays.

NFL Rules Clarification: Pick Plays

From the official 2013 NFL rulebook (page 51)

A “pick-play” is essentially offensive pass interference, the following clarification gets at the heart of the matter.

Rule 8, Section 5, Article 2 (Forward Pass, Backward Pass, Fumble)

Prohibited Acts by both teams while the ball is in the air. Acts that are pass interference include, but are not limited to:

(e) cutting off the path of an opponent by making contact with him, without playing the ball.

Seems simple enough right? The important wording in this portion of the pass interference rule is “making contact with him.” The tricky part is it is still completely a judgement call by the ref. In most cases (even though we know these plays are designed to create the pick effect), the question that arises is intent. If there is contact, was the contact intentional? Did the receiver knowingly cut off a defender to spring someone else open? Was the receiver just running a route and things got congested?

When judging intent, the little things that Broncos receivers do make it near impossible to call the penalty. I have seen these plays run many times and almost every time, the receiver slows down and seems to try and avoid blatant contact with the receiver. They keep their arms to themselves and make no chuck content whatsoever. So they avoid blatant contact which takes away that first part of subsection (e).

A fine line, but a line the Broncos likely addressed in Training Camp. Remember, teams have officiating crews in to go over all the rules and procedures and most importantly provide clear examples of what does and does not constitute an infraction.

Let us use an example. You tell me, is their intent to make contact without playing the ball?

So what do you say it is? I’m going to tell you right now, it’s a beautifully designed stab/crossing route combination meant to pick the Mike LB and spring the crossing route coming against the grain.

Truthfully though, I can argue either side. I can say “hey I’m just running my route, I have every right to that real estate as the defender.”

These route combinations are what muddle intent and make these pick routes judgement calls. It is hard to call in real time when the motion that occurs is not so overt that it draws attention to itself. So unless you see a blocking motion like grabbing outside the shoulder pads or extending the arms after a pushoff, anything short of knocking a defender on his ass is probably not going to get called.

Now here is an example of a legal pick play.

From the same rule, Article 4 “Other Prohibited Acts by the Offense. Blocking more than one yard beyond the line of scrimmage by an offensive player prior to a pass being thrown is offensive pass interference.”

The key wording here is “more than one yard beyond the line of scrimmage.” Within a yard you may block and knowing this rule is something that has set up one of the best redzone plays the Broncos use.

Man to man, Welker (orange) will be sprung by this legal pick. The Broncos are at the one yard line so a block between the 1 and the goalline is legal. Demaryius is going to shoot across and impede Welker’s man, also in the process bringing his man with him. Here he also avoids running over the DB and once the block is made, springs for the corner.

Notice that the pick or block happens at about the half yardline (completely within the rules). Something opposing DB’s should recognize is this play and the corners should actually switch off in order to neutralize the pick. In that instance, Thomas probably has good leverage on a fade to the corner.

Welker’s man is now chasing a step and a half behind and the play is wide open for the TD.

Great design, and within the rules.

Wrap-up

What did we learn today?

– Pick plays are cleverly designed combination routes

– Pick plays when carried out correctly leave the question of intent wide open for interpretation

– Despite all the complaining Chiefs fans do about the Broncos using them, the Chiefs use them too

– There are legal pick plays so long as the pick occurs within one yard of the line of scrimmage

– The Denver Broncos are really good at executing them, pound sand NFL

Bottom line, this is a huge gray area that will be widely debated and analyzed until the NFL decides to clarify what they will and will not call. The refs have a hard enough time deciding what constitutes PI in the first place so if you are not a fan of pick routes, you probably will be annoyed by them for years to come.

GO BRONCOS!!!

what is a pick play in football?

When you help your teammate get open, be sure to do it legally by slowing down their progress on the court. If you’re caught picking play deliberately, you’ll likely incur a penalty and may even lose possession of the ball.

Helping your teammate is a noble cause, but don’t forget about yourself in the process – stay safe and keep playing cleanly. By playing smart and helping out your teammates without breaking any rules, you can create an advantageous situation for your squad.

What Is A Pick Play In American Football?

Remember to play by the rules. If you help your teammate illegally, they may be able to slow down or block your progress on the court. Always try to help your teammate get open with a pass, instead of taking a shot yourself.

Be careful not to hinder their progress in any way – it’s important that they can continue playing as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Stay aware of what’s going on around you so that you don’t inadvertently help an opponent cheat or break the rules.

Playing fair is key for having fun and staying safe on the court – don’t let illegal pick play stop you from achieving either goal.

Illegal Pick Play

An illegal pick play is when a player in American football tries to make a pick, or interception, against the opposing team without being given permission by the referee.

This type of play can result in penalties for both teams and can often lead to turnovers on the field. Be careful not to participate in an illegal pick play during your next game because it could cost you dearly.

If you’re ever unsure whether or not to take a chance with an illegal pick play, consult with your coach before making any decisions. Keep your head up and know that there are other ways to contribute offensively besides trying to make interceptions – just be sure you use them wisely.

Slowing Defender’s Progress

A pick play is a type of offensive play in American football that involves the quarterback or running back picking up a forward pass and then running with it, often towards the end zone.

The purpose of this strategy is to slow down or stop the progress of the opposing team’s defense, giving their offense more time to score points. Because this call can be dangerous, quarterbacks and running backs must be careful not to get hit by defenders while making this maneuver.

In order for a pick play to work properly, both teams need to be on their same page so that everyone knows what they’re supposed to do next. Pick plays are one way that offenses can try and gain an advantage over their opponents on Sunday mornings across America.

Helping Teammate Get Open

A pick play is a move in American football that allows a teammate to get open. The quarterback usually makes the decision to call a pick play, and will hand the ball off or pass it downfield depending on the situation.

If executed correctly, a pick play can lead to an easy touchdown or big gain for your team. Make sure you know how to execute pick plays properly so that you can help your team win. Are you up for helping your team take home the victory?

What does it mean to get picked in football?

Getting picked in football is when a player gets chosen by their team as one of the players who will take part in the game. This means that they are given a place on the pitch and/or in the dugout, and are expected to do their best during the match.

The Ball Was Intended For Another Player But Intercepted

When a player on the offense intercepts the ball, it is called “picking up theball.” This happens when one of their teammates (usually in coverage) makes an exceptional play and snags the ball before it can be caught by an opposing player. In this situation, possession will automatically shift to the defender who intercepted the ball.

Possession Gained By Defender

If a defender successfully interceptions or recovers a fumble, they are said to have gained possession ofthe football. When this occurs, all other players on either team are considered to be “off-limits” until someone from their team touches or takes control ofthe football again.

Player On Offense Did Not Touch The Ball

In order for somebody to gain possession ofa football through contact with another player, that person must make physical contact withthe football itself – no matter how slight that might seem at first glance. If you’re on offense and somebody picks up your pass but doesn’t bring it down into bounds as they run past you – you didn’t touch it so technically your opponent has now acquired possession and scored a touchdown.

Is a pick and interception the same thing?

Yes, a pick and interception are the same thing. A pick 6 is an interception that gets run into the opponent’s end zone for a touchdown, while a regular interception is when the ball is caught by one of your team mates before it goes out of bounds.

Both terms refer to turnovers through the air – interceptions result in points for your team, while picks lead to touchdowns. To make an interception, you need good timing and quick reflexes – if you can get past your opponents defence.

What is a pick block in football?

A pick block is a piece of equipment used in American football to move the ball. It is a long, thin board with handles at one end and a smooth surface on the other. Two players stand opposite each other, holding the ends of the pick block between their feet so that it hangs down between them like a pendulum. The player behind the offensive team swings it forward as if he was hitting a golf ball, while his teammate tries to catch it in his hands.

Receiver Can’t Block Downfield

When the ball is touched by a defender, the receiver cannot block him downfield. Instead, he must run towards the line of scrimmage and try to catch the pass. This rule is called a pick rule in football and it’s designed to prevent receivers from getting blocked out of bounds or interfering with defenders on defense.

Once the Ball is Touched, Receiver Can Block Defender

Once the ball has been touched by a defender, that player can no longer be blocked by any other player on either team. This allows receivers more room to get open for catches and blocks on defensive players who may attempt to tackle them after catching the ball.

Is a pick play illegal in the NFL?

A pick play is an illegal offensive tactic in the NFL and can give your opponent an unfair advantage. If a player makes intentional contact with another player before he has had a chance to protect himself, it’s considered an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and can result in a five-yard loss of yardage on the play.

Replays are used to review plays for possible penalties, but they won’t be able to determine if a pick play was legal or not unless there’s clear evidence that it was intentional contact between players prior to the catch being made by the receiver. As long as you don’t intentionally commit any unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, you should be safe from receiving a flag for using this type of strategy on offense in the NFL.

Are there illegal routes in football?

No, there are no illegal routes in football – every player is permitted to be moving toward the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. However, if an eligible receiver who is on the line moves to another position on the line (not forward), he must reset prior to the snap.

This includes moving backward as well as sideways – so even a lateral move can result in a penalty being called against you.

What’s a pick six in football?

In football, a pick six is an interception returned for a touchdown. It’s considered one of the most dramatic and exciting moments in the game. Topping that off is the Ring of Honor Championship Contender Ranking System, which ranks professional athletes based on their performance over a period of time.

This system helps fans make educated decisions when watching sports competitions.

Why is it called pick and roll?

The name pick and roll is derived from the fact that players are screened before they have a chance to create scoring opportunities. To get around this defensive tactic, passing options must be available to the offensive player, and rotating around the defense should be considered when making decisions about who to pass the ball to.

Another term for pick and roll is “misdirection.” When defenders are screened off their original goal, passers can mistakenly think they’ve created an open shot or pass instead of looking for someone else on the court. Sometimes it’s helpful for a player to simply go after one defender instead of trying to hit all three with his passes in order.

This will help isolate him so teammates can finish off the play or get open themselves . Proper screening not only creates control over how much space each team has oncourt but also allows teams time and space (known as “line spacing”)to set up plays elsewhere onthe floor.

To Recap

A pick play is a type of offensive play in American football that involves one team passing the ball to another player who then runs with it. This allows the receiving player to get closer to the opposing goal, which can lead to more points being scored.

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How to choose a game | PriceMedia

For any gamer, choosing a game is an important task. How to choose “exactly that” game and not regret the purchase – read the Price.ua review.

Contents

1. How to choose a game for a beginner
2. How to choose a game for an experienced gamer
3. How to choose a game for a child

How to choose a game for a beginner

9000 2 Choosing a game for a beginner is a very difficult task, because you don’t know all the aspects video game industry, it’s easy to get lost in the endless array of interesting offerings.

The first thing to do is determine which platform you’re looking for a game on so you don’t accidentally buy the wrong disc. If it comes to consoles, then you should find out which games your gadget will “pull”. As a rule, set-top boxes have a minimal designation or logo that will help you understand the name or at least the abbreviation of the device.

If the choice is between games on a PC, then it is necessary to check the technical characteristics of your computer in order to understand whether this or that video game can start and work normally.

If you are not sure about the performance of the game on a PC or you cannot figure out how good your components are, then in this case it is better to contact the store consultant, after knowing the characteristics of your computer.

For example, if you have a GeForce GTX 10XX video card, an i7 processor and at least 8 GB of RAM, then most games, including new ones, will definitely run for you. Also, you can not worry if the PC was purchased recently, and it cost about 20 thousand UAH.

Usually, looking at the back of the game package (or its description on the store page) you can find the minimum and recommended requirements to run. Comparing them with the characteristics of your PC, you can understand how well the game will work.

But keep in mind that the minimum specs will guarantee you play at low graphics settings at low resolutions (720p), while the recommended ones usually show the specs of a PC that will be able to run the game at the highest settings in 1080p or 4K resolution.

Now let’s move on to choosing a game, which can be a real challenge for a beginner. Considering that a person has only recently become acquainted with video games, he will not immediately understand which game is worth buying and what it is.

If you don’t have a favorite genre or series of games yet, then make your choice in the popular section. It shows the games that other players buy most often. These tend to include video games highly acclaimed by both critics and the general public. Their purchase should satisfy any gamer.

However, don’t forget to look at the genre of the selected game. After all, if you are looking for a traditional Shooter, then it is better to take one of the games in the Far Cry series, and not stop at Mortal Kombat (Fighting genre), even if it is more often bought.

If you have a favorite genre, then try to stick to it for a while and not experiment too much, because a beginner who likes Shooter is unlikely to immediately like an RPG.

It may not be worthwhile to immediately buy new items, which on the release date can cost from 1,000 to 1,700 UAH. Indeed, for example, an excellent game Batman Arkham Knight can now be bought for 800 UAH. This way you save money and get a good video game to boot.

Also, if you liked a video game, but you are not sure about its gameplay, then try looking for a demo version. It will give you the opportunity to get to know the possible acquisition and finally decide.

Read: How to choose a computer

How to choose a game for an experienced gamer

If you already have a lot of experience in games, then choosing a game should not be a big problem for you. But, nevertheless, not a single person can follow all the new releases and be aware of all the events.

Therefore, even an experienced gamer has a problem when he sees unfamiliar games on sale or in the list of new products. What to do when the expected novelty is far “beyond the horizon”, but you still want to play something.

If you are ready to pay the full price (1000-1700 UAH), then it is advisable to take a closer look at the new products that were not of interest to you initially. Sometimes it’s worth taking a look at the monthly release calendar or watching videos about the most interesting new releases.

If your finances are limited, then you should pay attention to sales and discounts. There will always be games that are discounted for a limited time. Sometimes there are video games that are popular only in narrow circles, but are very well priced.

When choosing a game, always pay attention to its cover. It can immediately print the ratings of the most authoritative gaming publications, which will show its prestige. And also there will be a description of the video game and minimal information about it. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with them. In online stores, this information is duplicated in the description of the game.

But even without ratings on the cover, the game can be quite good. Far Cry 4 became one of the most popular games in the Shooter genre in Ukraine. It was released at the end of 2014 and fell into a period of change in the generation of consoles. Therefore, it does not shine with graphics, which is very important for some players. But the system requirements will not be the highest.

But Far Cry 4 boasts a chic, for its genre, gameplay that draws the player in headlong. Also one of its charms can be called a co-op mode in which two players can go through the campaign together. Its presence is usually indicated in the description of the game.

The Fighting genre, which is becoming more and more popular, today has practically no bad news. When choosing a video game from this genre, you should pay attention to the universe on which it is built and the gameplay.

The same Injustice 2 can suit both beginners, thanks to its simple controls, and veterans who want to fight opponents from all over the world.

These games are also great for those who want to fight with their friends on the same system. But they are quite demanding on computer performance.

Those who want to run around in the virtual world, not really burdening themselves with contacts with other people, or the passage of the campaign, you can look at games in the open world. They take place in a virtual city and give the player more freedom of action.

One of the most popular games in the genre is GTA 5. It looks great and gives players a lot of freedom. You can fly helicopters, just walk down the street, enjoying the views of the virtual city, or you can even get distracted by playing tennis. Or arrange chaos on the streets and try to hide from the police.

Also popular among open world games is Watch Dogs 2. It gives players a little different freedom. Since you have to play as a hacker, you can hack into cars, surveillance cameras, steal personal data of the inhabitants of the game world. Unlike GTA 5, you cannot fly a helicopter or an airplane here. To understand what is emphasized in a particular game, it is better to refer to its description and make a choice based on it.

Any game designed for multiplayer does not even have an approximate number of hours that can be spent on it. The same Injustice 2 (Fighting genre) can bring you hundreds of hours of play if you like to play online. The same can be said about Shooter games. The network component in them is the strongest.

If the amount of time you want to spend playing the game also plays a role, it’s important to remember that each genre has an estimated playthrough time. So a single player game in Shooter takes about 10-15 hours, and an RPG can entertain you from 40 to 100 hours. Time for sports simulators and racing will depend solely on your love for the genre. Modern Action-adventure will take approximately 20-30 hours, and Platformer can end in 8 hours.

Read: How to choose a gamepad

How to choose a game for a child

Choosing a game for a child is not as difficult as it might seem. If you need an educational game, it is better to contact a consultant or go to the appropriate section. Similar games are about the same quality. Here it is already worth choosing, focusing on the characters who will teach the child. If he likes fairy tales more, it is better to take the game where there are similar characters.

If a child needs a regular video game, then it is best to focus on two things: the genre and the age limit.

The most common genres suitable for children are Platformer and sports simulations. There will be nothing in sports games that can harm the psyche of the child. If he is fond of any sport, then it is better to take him a simulator of this sport. Among football simulators, the Fifa series is perfect.

Platformer is usually specially designed to be played by people of different ages. There is nothing cruel or unacceptable in them, and their storytelling differs little from modern cartoons.

Lego video games are also an easy choice. They are based on popular modern films such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, and many others. Their unique humor and the very fact that this is Lego will not leave children indifferent.

If you are not into genres, then check the recommended age of the game indicated on its box or cover. The age recommendation for the video game is written in the lower left corner. They are indicated in the form of numbers (3,7,12,16,18), which indicate the desired minimum age to familiarize yourself with the game. On the back of the box (or in the detailed description on the website) it is stated why this age is recommended here. If you think that some battles in fantasy worlds are an acceptable level of violence, then you can purchase the game even with a higher recommended age.

But it is worth remembering that some games may receive a higher age limit due to heavier controls or mechanics. For example, while Legend of Zelda doesn’t have elements that are unsuitable for children, it is built in such a way that it can be difficult for children to understand them. In case you are not sure, it is better to consult a store consultant or video game reviews.

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How to choose a free smartphone game

Mobile games are always at hand – a trip to the subway or a queue at the clinic can pass the battle in Fortnite or PUBG, and combine your lunch break with collecting resources in Clash of Clans. In addition, many developers are ready to provide such entertainment for free.

Lots of free-to-play mobile games. But if some of them bring pleasure, then others are more annoying: they fill up with ads, require you to pay at every step, and sometimes they don’t work at all, instead downloading a bunch of useless or even malicious applications.

In this post, we will tell you how to search for free entertainment for iOS and Android without unnecessary nerves and the risk of picking up something unpleasant on your smartphone.

Check if there is a mobile version of the game

Looking forward to the mobile version of your favorite online shooter? Be carefull. Often, scammers promote malware under the guise of well-known games, especially if there are rumors on the web about its imminent release on Android or iOS.

This is exactly what happened to the Android version of Apex Legends last year, and in 2018, fans of another battle royale, Fortnite, came under attack. Both times, users were waiting for the port of their favorite shooter to mobile devices, and the criminals rode the wave of excitement.

The cybercriminals approached the matter thoroughly: they created websites where they posted the Trojan under the guise of a mobile game, and posted a video on YouTube with installation and launch instructions. The videos showed how the user downloads a couple of partner applications (which is exactly what the criminals wanted) and the game starts successfully. Links to fraudulent resources and videos made it to the top of search engines for queries like “Apex Legends Android”, so it was easy to be deceived.

In order not to fall for such a trick, before downloading the game, go to the official website of the developers. There you can not only check the release information for mobile platforms, but also find download links from Google Play and the App Store if the application is already published in the store.

Only download games from official sources

Malware is not only disguised as bestsellers that have not yet been released. The Internet is full of sites where scammers distribute fake applications that pretend to be games that have long been ported to mobile devices. Therefore, like other applications, games should be downloaded only in official stores – Google Play, App Store and others.

Of course, sometimes it happens that developers fail to negotiate with Google or Apple, and they offer to download installation files from their own resources. For example, until April of this year, most users could only get the Android version of Fortnite from the Epic Games website. And recently, the game was again removed from the official store for the fact that the creators added their own payment system to it.

If for some reason the game is not in the official store, you need to download it only from the developer’s site – and not from any other. In this case, it is better to enter the URL manually: attackers can create a fake page and promote it in search engines. If you still went to the site from the search, make sure that the address is written without errors, and the resource itself consists of more than just the game download page.

Remember that if you want to download a file from the developer’s site, you will have to allow downloading applications from third-party sources. Do not forget to disable it again in the device settings immediately after installing the game.

And it’s better not to use this method if the game is not well known: virus writers can also claim that their studio couldn’t reach an agreement with official stores and distribute some nasty stuff from their site.

Read reviews of games

You shouldn’t relax even if you choose a game from Google Play or the App Store. Firstly, although the protection mechanisms and store moderators check the applications, there is still a risk of catching an infection. Secondly, the game can just annoy you with constant offers to buy something.

You can often spot a fake or an overly greedy app based on reviews. Victims of criminals will surely tell that their smartphone has turned into a hotbed of advertising banners or has become quickly discharged. In addition, from the comments, you will immediately understand if users complain about a merciless donation.

Don’t give too many permissions to a game

Even if the reviews of a game are overwhelmingly positive, pay attention to the list of permissions it requires.