Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Social Exergaming anyone?

Ian Bogost writes about the the cultural and social future of exergames (Exercise + Games portmanteau) in Persuasive Games: The Missing Social Rituals of Exergames

In the process, he had to take the Wii for a "stress" test. Bottom line is:

"[I]t actually affords more slothful play than its traditional controller-bound competitors (try it yourself, you can play The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess slouched back in your sofa, hands at your sides. Just wiggle your wii remote hand to swing your sword)."

So Ian argues, "To incite real, motivated physical activity, exergames will have to do more than just demanding physical gestures that produce latent exercise. In addition, they will have to simulate and create the social rituals that make us want to be physically active, whether alone or with others."

Interesting piece of article. And I thought we could look forward to going to gyms that feature Wii Consoles.

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