Read what Mumsnet users thought of NatWest Island Saver

[LucyBMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the Mumsnet users who have been testing NatWest Island Saver with their child aged 5 to 12 years. NatWest Island Saver is a fun and educational video game designed to teach children aged 5 to 12 about money management.

Here’s what NatWest has to say: “NatWest Island Saver is the world’s first video game that teaches children all about money. Set on the once idyllic ‘Savvy Islands’, players are tasked with an exciting quest to clean up polluted islands and save the bankimals whilst learning about money along the way. We know that it is crucial for children to develop good money habits at a young age to help them make better financial decisions in the future, and studies have shown that games outperform textbooks in helping children learn fact-based subjects.

So, by introducing important money themes such as interest, taxes, loan sharks and debt management through gaming, NatWest Island Saver is the perfect way to help your child become money savvy, without ever feeling like a lesson. Island Saver is free to download here on iOS, Android, Steam, PlayStation®4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.”

Testers, please give your feedback by answering the following questions, as well as completing the short survey we’ve emailed you.

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver?
2. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills? If yes, what have they learned?
3. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about?
4. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions?
5. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why?

All testers who leave their feedback on this thread and complete the survey will receive a £5 Amazon voucher and will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 voucher for a store of the winner’s choice.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

1. sucking coins from animals
2. i would have to say, yes, a little at least;however did not enjoy tax collector

3.not really but tax was a very interesting topic to explain .

1. No
2. yes as it is quite a fun way of doing so.

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver?

Washing the trees

1. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills? If yes, what have they learned?

A bit..it has taught her a bit more about the importance of saving money - although she already has an idea of this from real life situations which illustrate this point

1. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about?

Not really

1. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions?

No

1. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why?

Potentially, although I think after a few times playing, it might be enjoyed mainly for the fun of the game rather than being a great educational tool. My daughter liked the environmental aspect as this is something she is already very aware of from real life. Also, I'd definitely recommend it much more for playing on a computer rather than a phone as it wasn't so easy to use the controls on a phone - and I just don't like children playing lots on small screens.

1. My child found it difficult to play and control the game. She caught a bit of trash but then got bored. I tried to play but my sausage fingers couldn't play either. Way too difficult for my child. She is 5.
2. No as she did not get far enough or maintain any interest to learn anything.
3. No she has little interest in money or the concept of saving. If i offered her a shiny £1 coin or a £10 note she would choose the pound coin everytime. Sigh
4. No. Did not realise there was any
5. No. I feel there must be better ways than playing a game and i think the age group should be raised as not suitable for a 5 year old

My 2 dc trialled the game, both enjoyed it but got bored after a while.

1. Enjoyed shooting the water pistol and sucking up the rubbish.
2. Not really.
3. No.
4. No not yet but I would.
5. Yes.

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver?

Washing the trees

1. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills? If yes, what have they learned?

A bit..it has taught her a bit more about the importance of saving money - although she already has an idea of this from real life situations which illustrate this point

1. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about?

Not really

1. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions?

No

1. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why?

Potentially, although I think after a few times playing, it might be enjoyed mainly for the fun of the game rather than being a great educational tool. My daughter liked the environmental aspect as this is something she is already very aware of from real life. Also, I'd definitely recommend it much more for playing on a computer rather than a phone as it wasn't so easy to use the controls on a phone - and I just don't like children playing lots on small screens.

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver?

Washing the trees

1. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills? If yes, what have they learned?

A bit..it has taught her a bit more about the importance of saving money - although she already has an idea of this from real life situations which illustrate this point

1. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about?

Not really

1. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions?

No

1. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why?

Potentially, although I think after a few times playing, it might be enjoyed mainly for the fun of the game rather than being a great educational tool. My daughter liked the environmental aspect as this is something she is already very aware of from real life. Also, I'd definitely recommend it much more for playing on a computer rather than a phone as it wasn't so easy to use the controls on a phone - and I just don't like children playing lots on small screens.

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver?

Washing the trees

1. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills? If yes, what have they learned?

A bit..it has taught her a bit more about the importance of saving money - although she already has an idea of this from real life situations which illustrate this point

1. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about?

Not really

1. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions?

No

1. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why?

Potentially, although I think after a few times playing, it might be enjoyed mainly for the fun of the game rather than being a great educational tool. My daughter liked the environmental aspect as this is something she is already very aware of from real life. Also, I'd definitely recommend it much more for playing on a computer rather than a phone as it wasn't so easy to use the controls on a phone - and I just don't like children playing lots on small screens.

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver?

Washing the trees

1. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills? If yes, what have they learned?

A bit..it has taught her a bit more about the importance of saving money - although she already has an idea of this from real life situations which illustrate this point

1. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about?

Not really

1. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions?

No

1. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why?

Potentially, although I think after a few times playing, it might be enjoyed mainly for the fun of the game rather than being a great educational tool. My daughter liked the environmental aspect as this is something she is already very aware of from real life. Also, I'd definitely recommend it much more for playing on a computer rather than a phone as it wasn't so easy to use the controls on a phone - and I just don't like children playing lots on small screens.

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver?

Washing the trees

1. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills? If yes, what have they learned?

A bit..it has taught her a bit more about the importance of saving money - although she already has an idea of this from real life situations which illustrate this point

1. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about?

Not really

1. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions?

No

1. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why?

Potentially, although I think after a few times playing, it might be enjoyed mainly for the fun of the game rather than being a great educational tool. My daughter liked the environmental aspect as this is something she is already very aware of from real life. Also, I'd definitely recommend it much more for playing on a computer rather than a phone as it wasn't so easy to use the controls on a phone - and I just don't like children playing lots on small screens.

1. He enjoyed how you had to complete tasks to unlock other things
2. He thinks it has taught him a bit more.
3. Not really.
4. He didn't spot the activity sheets.
5. Yes.

1. sucking coins from animals
2. i would have to say, yes, a little at least;however did not enjoy tax collector

3.not really but tax was a very interesting topic to explain .

1. No
2. yes as it is quite a fun way of doing so.

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver?

Cleaning up up trash and hoovering up the animal poo

1. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills? If yes, what have they learned?

It's driven home the importance of saving money and earning money in order to be able to do things.

1. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about?

Not really no. Other than her asking how much I've got in her savings account for when she's older!

1. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions?

No we wasn't aware of them so we will look shortly!

1. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why?

Possibly, I think it might be a little difficult for very young children and my daughter found some parts boring so maybe if it was a little more exciting? Unless it gets more exciting the further you get so maybe my answer would change once she's player for longer.

Thanks for choosing us!

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver?

Cleaning up up trash and hoovering up the animal poo

1. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills? If yes, what have they learned?

It's driven home the importance of saving money and earning money in order to be able to do things.

1. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about?

Not really no. Other than her asking how much I've got in her savings account for when she's older!

1. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions?

No we wasn't aware of them so we will look shortly!

1. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why?

Possibly, I think it might be a little difficult for very young children and my daughter found some parts boring so maybe if it was a little more exciting? Unless it gets more exciting the further you get so maybe my answer would change once she's player for longer.

Thanks for choosing us!

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver? They enjoyed sending the rubbish off !
2. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills? If yes, what have they learned? No I don’t think it has taught them anything new.
3. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about? We talked about doing a good job and getting rewarded.
4. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions? We looked at them but they weren’t particularly interested.
5. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why? Yes because anything that encourages conversation is a positive.

sadly we were unable to take part as my phone is too old to accept the app

My daughter is 6 and it was too complicated for her but ideal for older ones

My daughter absolutely LOVED this game.

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver?

Collecting the rubbish and feeding it into the collection thingy. She also loved the cleaning of parts of the island and looking after the creatures.

1. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills? If yes, what have they learned?

It opened up a great conversation about saving which we haven’t had before.

1. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about?

We talked about how we have a normal ‘every day’ bank account for bills etc and then we have savings for holidays and to use if something broke and needed replacing.

1. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions?

We looked at them but haven’t used them yet.

1. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why?

Definitely, because it’s fun, and also interesting and surprisingly educational. My daughter really enjoyed playing it.

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver?

Sucking up the water

1. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills? If yes, what have they learned?

They realised it is safer to keep money in a bank and that you have to pay some money to keep it there.

1. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about?

Not really. They did want to recycle more though!

1. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions?

No

1. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why?

No really my child found it too repetitive and difficult to move. With some improvements I can see the benefits of it.

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver?

That it was a game so he didn't realise he was learning. It is interactive and interesting for his age.

1. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills? If yes, what have they learned?

Yes he understands more now like when we go to the shops he doesn't try and get loads of stuff as he realises how much it cost.

1. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about? We talked about saving money for holidays birthdays and christmas
2. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions?

Yes

1. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why?

Yes it gives you really good information that is suitable for young children to understand whilst they are also having fun playing games.

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver?

The interactive gameplay and collecting rubbish.

1. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills? If yes, what have they learned? Yes my daughter learned about the importance of saving her money.
2. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about?

Yes, we spoke about ways of earning money and the difference between saving and impulse spending.

1. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions? No
2. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why? Yes, the game is fun and educational

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver?

He liked collecting coins and banking it . Taking care of of the island

1. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills? If yes, what have they learned?

Yes definately . He asked me about interest , taxes and putting money in the bank .

1. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about?

He was more aware of how to spend money , how to save it and how to capitalise on it . We talked about saving , taxes , and interest .

1. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions?

We did went to the website . They were alright for 8 year old n yes they guided well .

1. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why?

I would recommend it to older children and definately children should be aware how to manage the money . How to save it and all !

1. What did your child enjoy most about NatWest Island Saver?

He enjoyed the whole game particularly collecting the trash.

1. Do you think playing NatWest Island Saver has taught your child money management skills?

Yes it has taught some valuable money management skills.

1. Did NatWest Island Saver encourage conversations about money between you and your child? If yes, what did you talk about?

We discussed savings and talked about money in general.

1. Did you use any of the activity sheets on the NatWest Island Saver website to help guide your child through important money questions?

Not really

1. Would you recommend NatWest Island Saver to other parents looking to talk to their children about money management? Why?

Yes because it is a fun and interactive way of teaching children about finances and money.

Thanks to all the Mumsnet users who tested NatWest Island Saver with their child and gave their feedback. The winner of the prize draw is @Puffincrossing - congratulations!