Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Lafferty
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Facebook strategy game embraces illegal, violent behavior.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Mafia Wars
What's It About?
Mafia Wars is a browser-based Facebook game in which players take control of gangs and run businesses, do jobs centered around illegal activities, and battle police or fight other players to level up.There is no direct contact between players, but friends can put out contracts on other players, compete against each other in a 'war,' or send each other gifts pertinent to the game's activities. The idea is to have the largest mafia, build hourly income, and buy armaments to fight other players.
Is It Any Good?
Mafia Wars is a mild diversion that has some depth of play but is not that compelling. The underlying message displaces reality and focuses on illicit activities, sending out a message that is inappropriate for younger players. This is a game that targets an adult audience, or at least one that can easily tell right from wrong and understands the concept of consequences for illegal behavior. There are better, more constructive Facebook games that are more engaging and enjoyable.
Online interaction: Other Facebook friends can be invited to join the Mafia to bolster ranks, but there is no direct communication with other players within the game.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the impact that violence in media has within the lives of real people.
They can also discuss how some games offer quick paths to success through spending money and how this is a form of marketing that is used to draw people in and then get them to spend money.
Why do many games allow players to be bad and encourage illegal behavior? Families might want to discuss why it is important to understand the difference between pretend and real-world actions.
Game Details
- Platform : Facebook
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Zynga
- Release date : June 1, 2008
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate