Discussions

Ever secretly wondered what it would be like to let loose, abandon all responsible parenting practices, and embrace glorious, chaotic mayhem? Well, wonder no more! "Bad Parenting," the game that lets you live out your wildest (and worst) parenting fantasies, is here to answer that question with a resounding, and often side-splitting, "YES!"

Developed by the delightfully twisted minds at Tab Games and released on Steam on May 26, 2023, "Bad Parenting" is a simulation game that throws you headfirst into the deep end of questionable childcare. Forget gentle discipline and organic snacks – this game is all about surviving (or succumbing to) the daily disasters that unfold when you prioritize your own amusement over, well, pretty much everything else.

So, buckle up, grab a (virtual) juice box, and let's dive into the wonderfully warped world of "Bad Parenting."

What Exactly IS bad parenting? A Deep Dive into Depravity (and Fun!)
Imagine "The Sims" meets "Jackass," with a healthy dose of dark humor sprinkled on top. "Bad Parenting" puts you in control of one or more delightfully dysfunctional parents tasked with raising their children (or, perhaps more accurately, allowing their children to raise themselves) in a hilariously unsafe environment.

The core gameplay revolves around managing your resources (or lack thereof), satisfying your own selfish desires, and dealing with the inevitable consequences of your terrible decisions. These consequences can range from minor household mishaps (think spilled juice and crayon-covered walls) to full-blown catastrophes involving fire, explosions, and the intervention of child protective services.

Think of it as a chaotic sandbox where your primary goal is not to nurture responsible, well-adjusted citizens, but rather to see just how far you can push the boundaries of acceptable parenting before everything implodes. And trust us, things will implode.

How to Play: A Crash Course in Catastrophic Childcare
Okay, so you're intrigued, but you're probably wondering how to actually play this gloriously awful game. Fear not, aspiring terrible parents! Here's a breakdown of the basic gameplay loop:

Choose Your Poison (Parent(s)): The game allows you to control one or two parents, each with their own unique stats and personality quirks. Do you want to be the perpetually drunk dad who thinks fireworks are appropriate indoor activities? Or the neglectful mom who's more interested in her phone than her children's well-being? The choice is yours!

Meet the Mini-Messes (Children): Your virtual offspring are unpredictable bundles of energy (and potential disaster). They have their own needs, wants, and desires, which they will communicate in… creative ways. Ignoring them is usually the funniest (and most disastrous) option.

Resource Management (Or Lack Thereof): You'll need to manage your household finances, food supply, and, most importantly, your own sanity. Keeping the lights on and the fridge stocked is generally a good idea, but sometimes, sacrificing basic necessities for a new TV or a case of beer is just too tempting to resist.

Embrace the Chaos (Gameplay): This is where the real fun begins. You can choose to "parent" in a variety of delightfully awful ways, from leaving your kids unsupervised with dangerous objects to encouraging them to engage in reckless behavior. The more outrageous your actions, the bigger the potential rewards (and the more severe the consequences).

Consequences, Consequences, Consequences! Every action has a reaction, and in "Bad Parenting," the reactions are often spectacular. Prepare to deal with fires, floods, broken bones, and visits from social services. Successfully navigating these crises is part of the challenge (and the comedy).

Upgrade Your Awfulness (Progression): As you play, you'll earn points that can be used to upgrade your parents' skills and unlock new items and activities. This allows you to become an even more terrible parent, pushing the boundaries of acceptable behavior to new and hilarious heights.

Tips for Aspiring Bad Parents: A Guide to Glorious Neglect
Want to maximize your potential for parental ineptitude? Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Prioritize Your Own Needs (Always): Forget about your children's well-being. Your happiness is paramount! If you want to spend all your money on a new gaming console or a lavish vacation, go for it! Who needs food when you have virtual reality?

Embrace Unsupervised Chaos: Leaving your kids unsupervised is the key to unlocking the true potential of "Bad Parenting." The more freedom they have to explore (and destroy) their environment, the more hilarious (and disastrous) the results will be.

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Try different combinations of terrible parenting techniques to see what works best. Encourage your kids to play with fire, leave sharp objects within reach, and see what happens! (Just don't blame us when social services shows up.)

Learn to Love the Chaos: Things are going to get messy. Very messy. But that's part of the fun! Embrace the chaos, laugh at the absurdity, and enjoy the ride.

Save Often (Trust Us): Let's be honest, things can spiral out of control quickly in "Bad Parenting." Save your game frequently to avoid losing progress and having to relive the same disastrous events.

An Objective Look: Is "Bad Parenting" Actually… Good?
Okay, so we've established that "Bad Parenting" is hilariously awful. But is it actually a good game? The answer, like a screaming toddler demanding candy, is complicated.

On the one hand, the game's dark humor and over-the-top scenarios are undeniably entertaining. It's a cathartic experience to let loose and embrace your inner disaster, without any real-world consequences. The game also offers a surprising amount of replayability, as there are endless ways to torture… err, parent your virtual children.

However, the game's reliance on dark humor may not appeal to everyone. Some players may find the scenarios to be too disturbing or offensive. Additionally, the gameplay can become repetitive after a while, as you cycle through the same basic activities and disasters.

Overall, "Bad Parenting" is a niche game that will appeal to players who enjoy dark humor, chaotic simulations, and the freedom to experiment with unconventional gameplay mechanics. If you're easily offended or prefer more traditional simulation games, this probably isn't for you. But if you're looking for a game that will make you laugh, cringe, and question your own sanity, then "Bad Parenting" might just be the perfect (terrible) fit.

Summary: Embrace the Absurdity
"Bad Parenting" is a unique and often hilarious simulation game that allows you to live out your wildest (and worst) parenting fantasies. It's not for everyone, but if you enjoy dark humor, chaotic gameplay, and the freedom to experiment with unconventional strategies, then you'll probably find a lot to love (and laugh at) in this gloriously awful game. Just remember to save often, and don't be surprised when social services comes knocking.

So, are you ready to unleash your inner disaster and become the worst parent imaginable? If so, then "Bad Parenting" awaits!

Call to Action: Dive into the Depravity!
Head over to Steam and download "Bad Parenting" today! Just be prepared for a wild ride filled with chaos, comedy, and questionable parenting decisions. And remember, we warned you!

Ask a Question

Have you played Bad Parenting? What's your favorite way to be a terrible parent in the game? Share your stories and tips in the comments below! What is the most hilarious thing that happened to you in the game?