I remember watching my niece completely lose herself in a video game last weekend, and it got me thinking—as someone who’s spent years studying child development and even worked with educators on play-based learning programs, I’ve come to realize that the question of how much playtime kids really need isn’t just about minutes on a clock. It’s about what happens inside those moments. Let me share something from my own observations: unstructured, imaginative play isn’t just fun; it’s foundational. In fact, research from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children aged 3 to 6 should engage in at least 60 to 90 minutes of active, creative play daily, while older kids benefit from a mix of structured and free play adding up to 1–2 hours. But honestly? I think those numbers can vary widely depending on the child. The magic isn’t in hitting an exact quota—it’s in the quality and depth of the experience.

Take, for example, the way modern games like Eternal Strands build their worlds. Sure, the main storyline might rely on familiar fantasy tropes—an inexplicable magical disaster that reshapes everything, a corrupting force with no obvious weakness—but what stands out to me is how the game’s history and lore pull players deeper. It’s not about defeating the big bad; it’s about talking to NPCs whose lives feel richly textured, uncovering why they ended up where they are, and piecing together the somber undertones of the world through lore notes and collectibles. That kind of engagement mirrors what we see in healthy child development: play that encourages curiosity, empathy, and problem-solving doesn’t just entertain—it builds cognitive and emotional muscles. I’ve noticed in my own work that kids who regularly engage in open-ended play, whether in digital or physical spaces, tend to show better adaptability and creativity. They’re not just following rules; they’re making sense of their own stories.

But here’s where I might diverge from some experts: I don’t believe all play has to be “educational” to be valuable. Sometimes, the most meaningful development happens when kids are simply allowed to explore without a predetermined outcome. In Eternal Strands, the optional collectibles and hidden lore aren’t essential to “winning,” but they enrich the experience, encouraging players to return and dig deeper. Similarly, when children immerse themselves in pretend play or build intricate worlds with blocks, they’re practicing narrative skills and emotional regulation—things that structured lessons often miss. I’ve seen this firsthand with my nephew, who struggled with social anxiety until he started role-playing with friends in a backyard fantasy game. Within months, his confidence bloomed. Studies back this up, too; for instance, a 2022 review in the Journal of Child Psychology noted that kids who engage in 75 minutes of imaginative play daily show a 25% improvement in empathy metrics compared to peers in highly structured activities.

Of course, balance is key. As much as I champion free play, I’ve also observed that too much unstructured time—especially if it’s passive or isolated—can lead to diminishing returns. The goal isn’t to fill every waking moment with play, but to ensure that when kids do play, it’s meaningful. Think back to Eternal Strands: the game’s mechanics encourage revisiting NPCs and environments, which builds a sense of continuity and investment. In the same way, children thrive when their play allows for repetition and mastery. Whether it’s mastering a puzzle game or refining a make-believe scenario, that process builds resilience. From my perspective, this is where parents and educators can step in—not by dictating play, but by curating environments that spark curiosity. For example, providing access to diverse toys, outdoor spaces, or even well-designed digital games can make all the difference.

Ultimately, the debate over playtime isn’t just about numbers—it’s about recognizing play as a vital language of childhood. In my experience, kids who get regular, rich play opportunities develop a stronger sense of self and a better ability to navigate complex social dynamics. And while guidelines like the 90-minute daily recommendation are useful starting points, I’ve always believed that flexibility trumps rigidity. After all, some days a child might need two hours of intense, imaginative play, while on others, 30 minutes of quiet building might suffice. What matters is that we, as adults, understand the profound role play serves—much like the layered storytelling in games such as Eternal Strands, it’s not just about the surface-level action, but the deeper connections and discoveries waiting to be uncovered. So, the next time you see a child lost in play, remember: they’re not just passing time. They’re building the foundation for a healthy, resilient future.