5 Video Games That Let You Have a Family

Gaming has become more of a family affair as it has grown. With this new appeal to not only gamers but gamer's families as a whole, there exist games that allow you to have families within their game world, whether it is a family that you yourself have to take care of or just a cozy piece of home throughout the game. Having one's own family and motivation can serve as either a neat little distraction or be a full-fledged game mechanic with its own goals to meet and look out for. With that being said, below are 5 video games that let you have a family.

5. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a fantastic farming sim. Developed and published by Concerned Ape, the farming sim sees the player whisked off to an agricultural lifestyle from their mundane office life. Following their grandfather's passing, they inherit a farm where they are to learn what is truly important in life. Upon arriving, players are shown how to clear off their land and grow their own crops. After which, they are introduced to the townspeople of Stardew Valley.

With various characters around the town that you can romance and have as your family, Stardew doesn't skimp on the options. Family being an important aspect in the life of the player is completely up to them, however. Whether players want to romance a character based on aesthetic or if they are more interested in their storyline and wish to learn more. Stardew Valley allows players to have a family as well as a farm. All in all, Stardew Valley seeks to show the player what is important in life, and to some, but not all, family is certainly important.

4. My Time at Portia

My Time at Portia is a game that melds life simulation games as well as RPG elements. The game was developed by Chinese developer Pathea Games and published by Team 17 and Nuverse. The game was released worldwide on the 15th of January 2019. Taking place in a post-apocalyptic world, the only remnants of the player character's life are their family. Players are driven by the goal of city expansion and taking care of the family workshop and farm.

This does not mean, however, that there is no time for romance. While most of your time in the game will be spent tending to things on your farm, it is important not to forget affairs of the heart, with players eventually being able to marry NPCs following romancing them. These interactions are not without their perks, however, as players will receive certain bonuses as well as other things from romancing certain partners. You can even unlock new ways to take photos as well as more dialogue options with each of the characters. All in all, having a family in My Time at Portia is certainly worth your time.

3. Story of Seasons

Story of Seasons is the Harvest Moon series that players are familiar with, just under a different banner. The game consists of a farming simulation at its core but also allows you, as the player, to have your own family. While is an agricultural simulation game at its heart. Story of Seasons also features the ability to raise a family throughout the seasons. Being rather unique in the fact that it lets you raise the family throughout time. And also doesn't just have them quickly age. The game has something that is special.

While some games rest on their laurels and make a relationship for you to have, Story of Seasons has the player court and give gifts to their love interests. With even a proposal system, as well as rejection, being possible. Players that do manage to have a successful family, however, will find that it is incredibly rewarding to the player. Pregnancy is also in the game but only occurs once in Story of Seasons. So if you are eager for a farming experience and also want to have a family, then Story of Seasons has you covered.

2. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a game that gamers are already no doubt familiar with. However, lesser known is the ability to get married as well as have children within the game. Developed by Bethesda Game Studios and Published by Bethesda Softworks, Skyrim is a monolith in the gaming industry. With more iterations being ported to various consoles and multiple versions of the game available to the player, Skyrim has become a household name.

Speaking of households, players can have their own. Households in the game can be coupled with the companion system to have a family within the game. Players have the ability, as of the Hearthfire expansion pack, to adopt children. Players can do this by visiting orphanages in the game, for example, the Honorfall Orphanage in Riften. Or simply finding certain children on the street, as strange as it sounds. Doing so will allow the character if they have enough space in their housing to house the child. All in all, having a family in Skyrim is rather uncomplicated and is a feature that players can surely enjoy.

1. Sims

The Sims is a life simulation staple. The iconic series has been responsible for more virtual families than any other series. While many players may spend their time in The Sims advancing a career or a lifestyle choice, many players make families. Family is important in The Sims as it can hold a lot of career paths as well as passive abilities within its systems. Players can choose based on a lot of different factors how they want their children to be as well.

With the modding capabilities of The Sims, it has never been easier to start a family to your exact specifications. Whether it is the hair color or interests of the little Sim you wish to change, all this and more can be done through the Family system within the games. It is for this reason, as well as the many hours that can be poured into a Sim family, that the Sims is our pick for five games that let you have a family.

So, what do you think of these 5 Video Games That Let You Have a Family? Do you agree with our top five picks? Are there any games we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.