The Revolution of the Video Game

So, the headlines are in and America's children are growing up obese. They spend less time outside and what time they are able to spend playing outside is strictly regulated (anyone heard of the recent "no-tag" regulations on recess recently?) It seems that the adult obesity epidemic is starting in childhood. With television, computers, Tivo, and video games, staying inside and sitting still has now become the fun thing to do for kids.

However, that may be changing with the new video game system, Wii. Gamers are now actively playing the game. Instead of sitting they are forced to be active! A recent Wii commercial showed gamers standing and playing tennis against their opponent, running a race, and other active activities. A friend of mine recently spent two hours shadow boxing. He was completely worn out after that.

This revolution of interactive video games actually started with an arcade game called "Dance Dance Revolution" or DDR. Nobody would have thought that a dance based arcade game would become popular, but it did. Now DDR is a staple for any arcade. Eventually the company came out with a DDR home version that you could plug into your VCR and play. When you were done, all you had to do was fold up the mat and you were able to store it conveniently. Now it seems that this kind of interactive game has made it's way into regular video games.

So what are the possible implications of this new video system? I predict that this new system will be a huge success in large part because it appeals to a completely new demographic. I for one cannot stand video games. I've always thought of them as mind-numbing and I simply cannot sit still for that long. However, I can't wait to buy a Wii because I'll be able to play tennis in my living room. In real life, I couldn't hit a beach ball but I have a feeling this video game will be a little simpler.

What other effects might the Wii have? Perhaps it will help to curb childhood obesity. Kids can still indulge in their technology and have fun, but at the same time, they're getting a workout. My greatest hope would be that it would encourage these younger gaming addicts to get out and try new things. Maybe playing tennis or boxing with their computer will spark their interest and move them from in front of the television to a real life scenario where they can new activities.

All in all, I think that the Wii has great potential and I hope, for many reasons, that it succeeds.