Student Publications
University of Houston
151C Communications Bldg
Houston, TX 77204-4015
713.743.5350

©1991-2007
Student Publications,
All rights reserved.

Last modified:

Contact:
ktruitt@uh.edu

Opinion

Game console gives players a workout

Michael Goetz 
Opinion Columnist

Millions of gamers rejoiced last week as Nintendo released its latest console, the Wii. The new video game system is not only sleek, but it gives you a workout, too. The not-so-revolutionary controller relies mostly on the physical motion of the player. Gamers must "swing" their swords and "punch" their opponents. All joking aside, this new movement addition is giving some players aches and pains from overworked muscles.

"Wii elbow" is the latest catch phrase being used to describe the pains in players' backs and shoulders. The previously sedentary activity of playing video games is forcing players to use muscles that normally go unused. Many of these people are merely out of shape, but a few of the more athletic players have complained of unusual aches in joints as well.

Back aches and muscle cramps are not the only new dangers being reported from using the new controls. Random acts of "interference" are leaving bruises and injuries on innocent bystanders as players flail their arms around the room, oblivious to their surroundings. 

Nintendo has not been silent on the recent reports about the dangers of their nun chuck-shaped controllers. Users are greeted with a warning to ensure that the area around them is clear of obstacles and potential victims when the system loads. Many games even go so far as to recommend a break from the physical activity after every 15 minutes of game play. 

The use of motion sensing equipment is not a new concept in the video game market. Nintendo fans could purchase the famous "Power Glove" controller to realistically punch out Mike Tyson on the original Nintendo console years ago. 

The latest arcade sensation, Dance Dance Revolution, has more than its share of videos of sweat-drenched players bouncing away circulating around the Internet.

What this latest move has done, however, is make motion an integral part of the entire game system. Many people who watch video games speculate that this more interactive approach to gaming may be arriving at a great time as gamers become more aware of the physical deterioration associated with long-term game playing. 

Many aging gamers may jump at a chance to keep playing the games they love without the guilt of getting out of shape. Tech-savvy parents may also find this new system healthier for their children by forcing them to get up off the couch to play their games.

Thankfully, game developers are looking at the external influences their games have on the player. 

Many games have a slightly addictive quality to them, and players are enticed into long sessions of playtime where the hours seem to fly by without notice. Keeping players healthy has to be a better business model than not. Who else is going to play the games when your players have all died from diabetes and rogue blood clots in their brains?

Goetz, a communication senior, 
can be reached via dccampus@mail.uh.edu