We all know Generation Z’s attention span is minuscule. Maybe even nonexistent at this point. I genuinely cannot watch a TV show without playing a side game on my phone. I’m here to feed your blue light hunger and inform you of the ten best games to play in class.

Disclaimer: I am not urging you to play these games. I am just merely suggesting them if you know you’re going to play anyways. These words do not create clear and present danger. Do not come after me. Also, this is in no particular order. 

Lumpty Tetris

This is my go-to. I genuinely will shut my eyes at night and have dreams about Tetris. So timeless and classic; it will never disappoint. I know my dad has Tetris downloaded on his phone. Whether you want to start at level one and work your way up or challenge yourself and start at level ten, it is sure to fulfill your attention needs.

Wordle

OK so this one is pretty basic and is not always reliable, but always a good way to start the day. In first block, before I even think about doing work, I have to attempt the Wordle. It has become a part of my daily routine since Señora Colón introduced me to it last year. I’m assuming most of you know what Wordle is. For those of you that are unfamiliar, basically, you have six chances to guess the five-letter word of the day. If this gets too boring or easy, there are other variations of wordle that can be more difficult (Taylordle: Taylor Swift Wordle, and I also think there’s a wordle with ten letters instead of five).

Slope

This game brings me back to my middle school days. If you are looking for a high-energy and fast attention grabber, this is for you. I don’t even know how to describe this game without a visual. You are a ball, and you are traveling through obstacles at an accelerating speed. The bright green lights contrasted with the black background provide equal satisfaction. The more you play this game, the better you will get at it. Currently, this is my go-to game. My personal high score is 130. I am waiting for someone to beat it.

Papa Louie Games

Again, is another middle school classic. Actually, I think I even played these games in elementary school. The wide variety of food-making simulations has something for everyone. In order, they go 

1. Papa’s Pizzeria
2. Papa’s Burgeria
3. Papa’s Taco Mia
4. Papa’s Freezeria
5. Papa’s Pancakeria
6. Papa’s Wingeria
7. Papa’s Hot Doggeria
8. Papa’s Cupcakeria
9. Papa’s Pastaria
10. Papa’s Donuteria
11. Papa’s Cheeseria
12. Papa’s Bakeria
13. Papa’s Sushiria
14. Papa’s Scooperia
15. Papa’s Mocharia
16. Papa’s Cluckeria

It gets a little bit repetitive. But I have played all of these games and can guarantee a good time. It always hits me with a wave of nostalgia.

Mine Sweeper

I have actually never played this game, and it was given to me by suggestion (thank you Mary Blake). It is a game sanctioned by google (similar to snake), and it will pop up just by looking up “Mine Sweeper.” This game is a little bit confusing at first. It definitely takes some practice and is a strategy game, but with some practice, it could 100% keep your attention.

Chess

So I am not the biggest fan of Chess, but I know many who are obsessed. I know teachers are fed up with chess (I cannot tell you how many times people in my class have been called out for playing chess), but honestly, it is fair. Chess is the perfect magnet kid game (what other school plays chess as a distraction). But it is a strategy game and makes you think. Also, a very fun game, if you don’t know how to play chess, I recommend learning. It also sounds cool to say you know how to play chess.

Solitaire

Solitaire is the most prominent individual game out there (probably). Now that it is virtual, its popularity has sprung. It is sure to keep your focus. I’m sure you all know what solitaire is, so I won’t go into too much detail. 

Retro Ping Pong (cool math)

Ok I will be honest. I have never played this game before, and upon playing, I kinda struggled. Not the best experience on my part. Maybe I’m just biased. But others disagree. Laura Robertson said, “The idea of playing Cool Math Ping pong gives me a reason to wake up in the morning.” It’s a the more you play the better you get type of game. Some more about Retro Ping Pong: It’s different than normal ping pong, and there are different variations, including shatter paddle, blaster, dodgeball, robo battle, flappy pong, multiball, big ball little paddles, fog zone, don’t hit the kitty, gravity well, bumper ball, secret wall, fireball, and even more. Every round is one of these different variations, making it impossible to get bored.

Snake

Like Retro Ping Pong, Snake has so many variations of the game and something for everyone. You will never get bored. It is also google based and, therefore, easy to play on a school server. It is very self-explanatory: use the arrows on your computer to eat the food on the snake map. I recommend trying out the different variations and seeing which one you like best.

Run 

I absolutely LOVE this game. It can be found on cool math, and there are three different forms of it: Run 1, Run 2, and Run 3. Run 3 is easily my favorite, with Run 1 following it. It is very similar to Slope, with a dark background and bright lights. A little space alien is running through the courses as you guide him. The courses progressively get more difficult as you move on. 

So, those are the top ten games to play in class. Just enough so they keep your attention from your work, but little enough so you are still present in class. I hope I have impacted your attention span for the remainder of your high school career.