Not so big on the violent nature of Grand Theft Auto and other games? Maybe you’re hoping to start your kid out with some educational games that you can still enjoy for yourself because of the great graphics?

National Geographic could be right up your alley with the launch of its new games division. That’s right, the venerable and worldly magazine is venturing into the gaming landscape with titles that will be available for the major gaming consoles, PCs, Macs and mobile applications like the iPhone.

The first release, Herod’s Lost Tomb, is a hidden objects game whose launch this month ties in with content from the December magazine issue along with a program on King Herod on the National Geographic Channel. Keep an eye out for it as a free download on National Geographic’s online channel.

“National Geographic Games has brought authenticity to the kind of family gaming we’re developing with them,” said Andrew Lelchuk, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Namco Bandai Games America, one of the companies National Geographic has partnered with. “Our collaboration is enabling us to tailor the content, so we can offer games to our customers that are relevant, entertaining and that bring a unique experience only the National Geographic brand can deliver.”

Judging from the screen shot, Herod’s Lost Tomb, and hopefully other games as well, continue Nat Geo’s tradition of breathtaking showcases.

Other upcoming titles include (with release month and publisher):

November 2008
• National Geographic — “Herod’s Lost Tomb”
• Namco Bandai — “National Geographic: Panda”
• Sony — “National Geographic: Africa”
December 2008
• National Geographic — “Sudoku Traveler: China”
2009
• National Geographic — “Rain Forests”
• National Geographic — “Greencity”
• National Geographic — “From the Bottom Up”

No word on when we’ll see Dog Whisperer or Taboo making their way onto our PS3s.

Arlen Schweiger - Editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen writes about home technology installations and product news and reviews for electronichouse.com and Electronic House magazine.