Please note: If using the Pocket Mags website, you will need to register and sign up (FREE) on their site before you’re able to download the magazine. This is a different log-in which will work with their website and their app (available on all app stores). We always recommend using the Checkpoint Magazine app on your device directly from your store.
Welcome to the Checkpoint Kids page where we have brought together all of the platforms we have for kids across the brand.
At Checkpoint we believe that computer gaming is a voyage of self-discovery for the player. During play they test themselves; they challenge themselves; they discover their limitations and then they overcome them. They develop life-skills such as perseverance, logical thinking, stamina and overcoming disappointment. Games, like good literature, allow the player to engage with other worlds, other ways of being, other philosophies: they engender understanding and empathy. They are history lessons, geography lessons, maths lessons, physics, sports, religion – the list is endless… And the virtual world is both visually stunning and sonically enthralling, calling on a plethora of artistic and creative movements and genres, and crafting new ones. They are truly immersive. The player doesn’t watch the action – they are the action. Multiplayer games go further: they create forums for discussion; they provide spaces for real-time social interaction; they offer the thrill of competition and the solace of camaraderie. In the safety of a virtual world the player can take risks and learn that failure is an integral part of self-development. They can explore different facets of their character and allow their emotions free reign. They can develop their own ‘character’.
The educational opportunities offered in Checkpoint are all centred around the child. They take the high levels of engagement, enthusiasm, commitment and loyalty that the children have for gaming and use it to develop their literacy, numeracy and creativity in ways that value every child’s individuality. Each opportunity is supported by clear guidance and non-critical evaluation. Children can experiment, take risks and celebrate their own development in a safe and nurturing environment.
At Checkpoint we believe that through developing a strong and resilient sense of self-worth and awareness through the acquisition of literacy, numeracy and creative skills, children can know themselves better and better communicate their true self to the world.
But it’s not just the magazine, we also have a story podcast. These ethereal and soothing stories take place in gaming worlds, putting children at the heart of the story. Used for bedtime or just as an alternative to reading aloud, these have already proved popular. They’re available on any podcast platform for free, but you can link directly to them using the buttons below (please like and subscribe) or listen to them directly from the player.
Children can also explore our YouTube Kids content which have a variety of videos. These are either made by the kids and have been submitted to the magazine, or made by us to help direct kids and parents to appropriate content. You can watch reviews and interviews by the kids and hopefully they’ll help inspire your kids to do something different with their games too.
We’re also proud to be affiliated with TamingGaming.com, an incredibly useful and comprehensive resource for parents looking to find age-appropriate games for their kids. This database is carefully curated and showcases the best games for families and kids across all devices. You’ll see these links within the kids magazine and we encourage you to use this free service when you’re not sure about a game.
Finally, the “Kids” platform of the brand has been made specifically to showcase their work. We want to have the magazine full of content created by kids, so we would love for them to submit it. For safeguarding purposes we insist on a parent/guardian filling out the submissions form. We will not showcase any submitted work without this. You can find this form here.