Many jails and prisons around the country look for ways to keep inmates occupied, and with video games as the fastest growing entertainment industry, it makes sense that video game consoles would have a place underneath the TV set.
Over the past decade, there has been an increasing number of tablets to allow for inmates to communicate with family and consume information.
Up until now, the extent of video games in correctional facilities has amounted to the odd Playstation 2 or Xbox 360 in a communal area where everyone can gather around to watch the weekly FIFA match on the CRT TV.
As newer systems like the Xbox One and Playstation 4 are coming out with new games geared towards sports and achieving goals, there has been more video game systems being implemented in correctional facilities as a way of incentivizing inmates’ good behavior.
These new systems come with major advantages to the old ones, such as having all games on the system and no disks, so the games are ready to play as soon as you turn on the system. Enhanced parental controls and disabled internet access also keeps wards off any unwanted tampering to the devices.
It may be a common thought that video games don’t belong in jails, but the fact is that they allow inmates to adventure across foreign lands, participate in sporting events, and drive cars, within a virtual world they can explore while serving time.
This recent article by TheThings.com lists out the most popular games that have been in prisons so far. Our experience with correctional facilities at Fully Loaded Electronics has taught us that this list is close, but there are new games available.
Here are some of the best video games to have in a jail, prison, or other correctional settings.
3. Minecraft
Minecraft is arguably the most popular video game in the nation. In the game, the player can traverse a vast landscape with differing environments, explore caves to mine for resources, and then use those resources to build shelters.
2. Forza Horizon (Xbox One), Gran Turismo (PlayStation 4)
The Forza Horizon series, an Xbox-only racing game, is known for its stunningly beautiful countryside maps wherein players can own and race a garage full of customized vehicles.
The Gran Turismo name has been an arcade classic dating all the way back to 1997, and stays true to form as Playstation’s premier track racing simulator featuring the world’s most exotic race cars.
1. Madden NFL
Of course, the top game for correctional facilities in the United States is the household name of Madden. Players can pick their favorite teams and go head-to-head for the most touchdowns, or even create their own rosters, playbooks, and coaches to customize their experience.
Would there be value in adding a video game system as an incentive for good behavior in your correctional facility? We’ve worked with jails across America to help them with their video game solutions. If you’d like to learn more, visit our web page or give us a call at 1-888-506-0219.