You thought I was going to say, “Watch out for that Wii-fist/controller!,” I bet. If you have a Wii, it’s likely, since it’s easy to get caught up in physically demanding video games. After all, some gamers frantically lean to one side or smash buttons as if to gain an extra edge.
Nowadays, it seems that America is obsessed with weight. Every day, I hear about new diets, or how we, as Americans, are not active enough. And many people seem to equate that with our obsession with video games. Why blame the harmless games rather than the players who don’t get up an go for a walk once in a while?
It’s a scene we all know by heart: late at night, deep into that final level. An earth-shattering cutscene spells doom as the final boss threatens to send you to bed a broken and defeated gamer. You lean in as closely as possible, refusing to miss a second of the epicness playing out before you. And then…success! The baddy is beaten, the world is saved, and you get enough epic l00tz to last ten lifetimes. Not bad at all, until you wake up in the morning and realize that you’re going to be dealing with chronic back pain for the rest of your life.
Aside from the obvious eye strain and negative vision change that occurs from playing too long, sitting too close to the screen, and not taking breaks, there’s at least one other impact video games have on our eyes–and it’s actually a good thing. A new study shows that fast-paced, action-packed video games like FPSs stimulate the eyes, and can help develop visual processing.
The stereotypical persona of a gamer is all too familiar and can be summed up with one word. Lazy. It’s the classic sit back and relax with a box of cold pizza, and nothing to do but game all day. So, is this a far-fetched stereotype or simply a sad statement of truth? Having a younger brother who barely blinks during an Xbox game, I vouch for the statement of truth. And here’s why.
Game Design, Nintendo Wii, Technology
Video games have always been a more preferred pastime than any form of exercise, and this has contributed to the increased rate of obesity in America. Combining exercise and video games seems to be generating a lot of interest, and it’s a trend that may forever change the way people work out. Growing up as a chubby kid it was easy to find solace in video games, but the desire to combine activity and games was one I was always interested in; it even contributed to one of the worst gaming purchases I ever made.
