What Parents Should Know About the HQ Trivia Game Show

Who doesn’t love a good trivia game? They can be fun and educational. For parents of teens, the HQ Trivia app might just be a smart way to exercise your kids’ brain cells and have fun as a family.

Here are a few things to know about the trending live game app.

Winners Receive Cash Prizes

What makes the game exciting for kids and adults is the possibility of winning money. While some players have won as much as $25,000 a game, the average cash prize is much less, with many winning just $5 to $10 because the prize must be shared by all winners. But the incentive of a cash prize does make the game more exciting for players.

The HQ Trivia Creators Focus on Fun

Here’s how it works: the HQ Trivia app, incidentally brought to you by the creators of Vine, is free to download and play. Right now there are no clear ads on the site, although occasionally a game will be sponsored by an advertiser, and ads may be incorporated in the future.

It’s no wonder HQ Trivia has a steady following; it is similar in sequence to “Jeopardy!” or “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” but instead of a select few players, the multiple-choice questions can be answered by anyone connected on the app.

It Happens Live

The game happens every day at 3 PM and 9 PM Eastern time. There are 12 questions on a multitude of topics. Whoever can answer all 12 questions correctly during the live game wins; whoever gets just one wrong is immediately eliminated from the game.

Winners receive the prize money via PayPal. If no one wins that day, the prize money is added to the next day’s cash-out. Co-creator Rus Yusupov has talked to the media about this popular game. “It’s a game of skill,” he said. “You have to be smart to win. And if you have really smart friends who can shout out the answer for you, that helps.”

Live Comments May Not Be Kid-Friendly

The HQ Trivia Game allows live comments during the game, many of which may include adult references or languages. So while the questions may be fine, it could be problematic if kids are reading the comments. Users can, however, simply swipe the chat section to the right to remove the comments from view during the game. The host may also use humor directed more to adults than kids. The app requires that users be older than 17 when downloading it, so best for parents to monitor and play as a family.

It Can Be Educational

Many players enjoy the game and begin to play it daily. But that might be a good thing. Kids can learn trivia they wouldn’t otherwise come across in school or in everyday scenarios.

Parents could play with their kids and use the questions and answers as a springboard for conversation and teaching. As long as the live time isn’t a factor, it’s okay to let kids join in and test their knowledge. The chance to earn a few dollars as well will show them that learning can be fun—and maybe even lucrative. Questions one (or Q-mero numero uno as the host calls it) through three are usually easier so kids can help answer the first few questions, but the questions do become tougher as they go on.

But It Shouldn’t Replace Quality Family Time!

As with any digital devices, it’s important to monitor the amount of time your kids spend using them. For example, you may want to require that kids finish their responsibilities, chores, and homework prior to the start of the game.

However, families, parents, or caretakers should keep in mind that, as with any addicting games, the HQ Trivia Game should never replace the value of spending quality time together. Some ways to make the game more worthwhile is to do research on topics that interest the kids, or questions that they show more interest in.

The key here is using gaming as a tool, not an end unto itself. And the goal should always be more involvement and inclusion in time spent together. Parents and educators may find that the game can be a fun way to discuss deeper, or even more trivial, topics.