At E3, Nintendo has been busy with their unveiling of the Wii U console, GamePad and Controller. To get the #exergaming genre going, this demo video of Wii Fit U show how the GamePad will sometimes display the virtual trainer while the on-screen action shows the background scenery (See EP2P #1). As with many other exergames in this fitness video game niche, calorie tracking is again a big part of the feedback players/exercisers receive (See EP2P #2). Having to stand to play Wii Fit U on the GamePad forces the head and neck into hyper-flexion (See pics below and EP2P #3),
Exergaming Points to Ponder (EP2P)
I suppose it only really works for slower types of exercises and stretches as it would be too hard to always have to look down.
How accurate are the formulas Nintendo is using in the software, and is it the same across titles and game studios?
Free from TV but not from neck hyper-flexion if held for prolonged periods of time. I wonder also how looking down while standing on the Balance Board will mess with your vesitbular balance especially those with balance issues, patients recovering from stroke, etc.
Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2013, unveiled in parts at E3 will allow players (exercisers) to create a personalized fitness program lasting up to four weeks, where you choose workout frequency and tailor it to your current fitness level and preferences. It will have 125 different workouts and 215 moves, although I'm not sure how many the previous versions had. Players can also connect online with friends to compete and collaborate their way to fitness. Notice the integration of Wii U GamePad where you get to call up game options and network with your online exergame workout partners. Exergaming Points To Ponder (P2P)
Will the GamePad provide assistance or tutorials on how to perform the movment or play the game as @DDRDiva mentioned, and as featured in the Wii Fit U (also revealed at E3)
"Sarak aime ton status" is French for Sarah likes your status so there's the obvious social networking feature being incorporated. I'm not sure if the current network that boasts a pretty big user base has this feature.
I like the jump in feature where a player can join the action without having to re-start the game.
I also like how the calories you burned appears (and the people in your challenge) on screen - but does calories burned equal the points you earned in-game?
if Your Shape for Wii U includes detailed exercise instructions on the pad, it will be the best #exergame ever — Sue B (@DDRdiva) June 5, 2012
At E3, Nike just announced how Nike + Kinect Training will be be using Xbox Live and Kinect to further engage all athletes for evolved #exergaming. In addition to Nike Fuel, they will add reminders and periodic fitness assessments coupled with networking and challenges to help Every body to be an athlete! Sounds more like interventions, fitness training, and medical advice...although all package disclaimers and notices say otherwise.
Microsoft's Kinect launch of Dance Central could be the Dance Exergame that takes a place beside Eyetoy Kinetic as near full body interaction. The awards as reported by Kotaku, show yet another name for exergames (to go with active gaming, motion gaming, interactive fitness, iFitness, fitness gaming, dance simulation game, motion simulation game, video game exercise, video game fitness, motion-based video game, exertion interface, etc..). From the footage I've seen so far, Dance Central seems to have tapped into the raw energy and simplicity of Just Dance, the inescapable rhythms and catchy beats of DDR/ Guitar Hero/Rock Band and partially into the group performance benefits of Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Can't wait to get this title into the Exergame Lab to test on students!
Best Motion Simulation Game Dance Central (Harmonix/MTV Games/Microsoft for Xbox 360)
Best Original Game
Dance Central
(Harmonix/MTV Games/Microsoft for Xbox 360)
ForceTek XIO: the gaming controller that hurts you, not the TV (video): " Forget the Wiimote, PlayStation Move and Kinect; here's a controller that actually makes you feel like you're in the game. At E3 earlier this week, startup firm ForceTek showed off its XIO (pronounced zee-o) Virtual Gaming System. The force-feedback arm exoskeleton 'provides a controlled resistance' to your arm and wrist movement. ForceTek eventually wants to build full exoskeletons (shoulder, back, lower body) to play games.
Built to be a multiplatform game controller with tiny servo motors, one of their main claims is that it "helps reinforce the correct muscle pattern for the activity being simulated.". This is an important concept to remember in any motor skill, that being a correctly repeated movement helps to promote. To be precise, there really is no such thing as "muscle-memory" as the muscle itself does not "remember" contractions/patterns; rather, the motor unit of the CNS "learns" sensorimotor skills. May the Force Be With You!
Over 10 years in development and several patents, XIO™ (pronounced ZEE-O) is scheduled to be debuted at the 2010 E3 show June 15th-17th in Los Angeles, California. The XIO™ Virtual Gaming System could dramatically shake up the video console industry, a landscape dominated by Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony, with the introduction of a system that requires no console and puts the player closer to reality than ever before.
XIO™ uses advanced exoskeleton technology used in the sports training and physical rehabilitation fields to provide the player with different responses based on the player’s body position, speed of movement, and other sensed data. In addition to audio and visual responses, XIO™ provides a controlled resistance to movement and other stimuli to provide realism to the action. This not only lets players feel as if they are actually performing the function, but also helps reinforce the correct muscle pattern for the activity being simulated.
XIO™ devices now available for one or both arms are expected to be subsequently combined with shoulder, back and lower body attachments to add to the virtual experience. The use of an optional onboard computer and XIO™ headgear will allow the system to become totally self-contained on the user for inside or outside multiple player use.
Although XIO™ is being demonstrated at E3 using certain existing video game software, to take advantage of all of the capabilities of XIO™, the system is expected to be released to the public with video games specifically developed for XIO™. Consumers can now go online at www.forcetekusa.com/xio to become one of a select group given an opportunity to purchase the XIO Virtual Gaming System prior to full release.
Play laser tag outdoors (FPS, Survival mode) or anywhere you want or even biatholon using Ubisoft's newest exergame - Battle Tag. At E3 last night, they unveiled exergaming's newest entry into an ever changing user interface market. In how Ubisoft describes Battle Tag as the first Live Shooter Game (LSG), the infrared (IR) lasers have a 70 meter range while the pc base needs to stay within a range of 300 meters in order to keep track of the game using the UbiConnect antennae. You can pick up health, ammunition, or objective packs to keep your game going and they are scanned using the RFID sensors placed in both the gun and packs. This is somewhat reminiscent of Hyper Dash, Hyper Jump, Animal Scramble from Wild Entertainment and an FRID toy called Swinxs that is finally available in the US. It would be neat to test all three systems to compare what kids like about each system. If you know someone that can get us a test kit - please get in touch with me at exergamelab@gmail.com. Other features include:
UbiConnect Game Master program & antennae
Up to 8 players can play together (4 v 4)
User-generated data shared with Battle Tag community
Laser sensing vests
Voice prompting from Game Master transmitted via the laser gun's speakers
Exergaming Benefits
Physical activity (primarily cardiovascular) away from a console.
If most of the movements are near maximal and in short bursts, it could be one of the elusive exergames that elicit the vigorous intensity level that has shown to have excellent health benefits.
Choice of many types of games and challenges.
Social interaction with peers while playing and after receiving results.
Strategies (individual and group) and group dynamics.
Problem-solving during game-play.
Exergaming Concerns
If we really want the kids to get outdoors, they probably should focus on making this game/ type of exergame a mobile-based system (think Jogging at Distance) or one that can leave the range of UbiConnect and continue to be able play. Similar to some wireless real-time heart-rate monitors that leave the base range and continue to collect data - then when you get back in range, the data is streamed to the base.
Tethered to the UbiConnect base (300m).
"Shooting" / using humans as targets.
Batteries and charging system.
Unverified
Any haptic feedback in vest or gun?
GPS / mobile systems in development?
Customizable games and features?
Language packs?
Release date Holiday Season 2010. I know what I'm going to ask Santa for this Christmas:-) Tag On!
Los Angeles, USA – June 14, 2010 –Today live at the E3 exposition in Los Angeles, Ubisoft demonstrated a unique new brand of video game toys. The new UbiConnectTM brand brings video games and toys together to offer an immersive and innovative game experience. The brand launches in holiday 2010 with its first product, Battle TagTMa real shooter game that can be played between friends anywhere – at home or outside.
Battle Tagcombines the best of two worlds: a laser tag game and a shooter video game. Using unique real world accessories, players will be able to recharge and increase their life points. The PC will act as a Game Master, challenging players and keeping track of scores between teams. Players will also be able to download new content, create their own content and share with their friends and the Battle Tagcommunity.
“Today’s children grow up with video games and accept them as a part of their play time,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer at Ubisoft. “UbiConnect brings together video games and physical toys, allowing players to play the game both at and away from a video screen.”
Battle Tagis a social, physical and fun experience that brings the interactivity of video games into real life using real world toys and accessories. Battle Tag will launch across North America during this fiscal year.
Dropping sometime during Holiday 2010, Zumba Fitness hopes to bring the hottest dance and fitness craze to your shiny new Xbox 360 Kinect. The trailer doesn't reveal that much about the game or game play and we're pretty sure they weren't using Kinect for the in-game video footage. Let's see if they can capitalize on a huge Zumba fan base and turn in some better sales numbers than Your Shape.
Virtual Air Guitar and Kung Fu Live are giving Live demos at E3! I wish I could be there but at least we can all share and marvel at what Teemu and company have accomplished over the past few years. I remember watching in AWE over the Kick Ass Kung Fu footage a few years back and told everyone that this is the future of exergaming - whole body immersion/augmented reality.
Way to go and prove me right Teemu & crew! I 've added some screenshots of their latest trailer and some of trailer videos on YouTube so that you can see how awesome this release for Playstation 3 using Playstation Eye and on the Playstation Network will be this fall. I'm hoping to talk to a rep about their product and company in the near future so stay tuned. Enjoy the footage until then and shoot me some questions you would like me to ask them and take the following poll about which exergames you are excited to play.
Using Virtual Air Guitar Company’s patented Freemotion® technology combined with the PlayStation®Eye, Kung-Fu LIVE allows players to immerse themselves in fist-to-face combat with accurate motion and image scanning happening live and in real-time, right from their living rooms. Armed with a host of super-human moves in multiple interactive environments, disciplined players can brawl their way to victory in a pulse-pounding fight to the finish.
Power A is releasing the Pro Pack Mini Wii remote and nunchuk named MiniRemote and MiniChuck respectively. I've found that people with small hands have a hard time holding on to the regular Wii Mote and for the young ones hard to operate. At least these new devices will be easier to hold, but there's no going around which button to press/release when with a novice or young child. Of course some may argue that young children shouldn't be playing video games - but that's an argument for another time. Will this ProPack Mini set be easier to operate for people with disabilities including those with upper-body (especially manipulative) limitations? We'll have to get a set to actually see how the controllers change the users interaction.
At E3 last night, Ubisoft revealed their Your Shape game ported over to Xbox 360 and Kinect (formerly Project Natal) now called Your Shape: Fitness Evolved. It;s a good thing too since the first version had real concerns with the game play, sales (0.59 worldwide million) and the use of Jenny McCarthy as a spokesperson. Watching the press conference and demos from LA got me excited for the next level of exergaming; however, I also have some real concerns with this implementation.
"Gets You in the Game" is a statement we've been using for a long time and it's good to see it throughout the press releases.
A surprisingly strong Facebook community of 36,000 + seems like it has a good start on the maximizing the group's ability to support one another.
Great visual effects and interaction and player tracking.
Lots of great feedback (formative, summative, instant).
Hundreds of exercises and supposedly never giving you the same workout.
Exergaming Concerns
As I have found in my research and that of others, perceived exertion is proving to be a tricky metric as people are under-reporting their levels of perceived exertion. This can lead to exhaustion and/or repeated overuse injuries.
Although Your Shape: Fitness Evolved has evolved from the Wii version, I still don't like the computer generated "image" when compared to the your actual video like on EyeToy Kinetic (my gold standard for fitness video game).
If it never gives you the same workout twice, what happens if you really connect with a particular workout and want to repeat it? Is there the option to put it back into rotation?
With all the feedback coming from the program, will the user be able to customize the amount, delivery rate and or type (audio, visual)?
Will players with movement disabilities be able to use the this system after calibrating for range of motion?
Will we be able to move the camera closer so those with limited ROM can still "Be in the game"?
Did the designers consult with exercise physiologists, strength training professionals, and personal trainers?
Did they build in features that emphasize: the different elements of training cycles (micro, macro, meso), energy systems (aerobic, anaerobic, lactic, alactic), tapering an cycling, nutritional demands coordinating with each specific cycle and system?
As is the case with many of the fitness "games", there does not appear to be any real game element in terms of story, plot, or narrative. In essence these titles should be "efitness instruction" or "efitness guides".
The demo got me a little confused as it was the mirror image of what we were watching on stage.
With all they've added to the "game" it's great to see studios embrace exergaming and its potential; however, we still have a ways to go to get them accepted and understood at a higher level.
Be sure to get an unbiased perspective and plenty of information of exergames on The Exergame Network.
PLAYER PROJECTION TECHNOLOGY PUTS YOU INSIDE THE GAME:
Ubisoft’s proprietary Player Projection technology puts you in the game.
The game comes with hundreds of exercises plus there will be regular downloadable content releases to ensure you’ll always have new and exciting workout...
At E3, Nintendo has been busy with their unveiling of the Wii U console, GamePad and Controller. To get the #exergaming genre going, this demo video of Wii Fit U show how the GamePad will sometimes display the virtual trainer while the on-screen action shows the background scenery (See EP2P #1). As with many other exergames in this fitness video game niche, calorie tracking is again a big part of the feedback players/exercisers receive (See EP2P #2). Having to stand to play Wii Fit U on the GamePad forces the head and neck into hyper-flexion (See pics below and EP2P #3),
