The Future of Gaming is Making Moves

Life behind screens can, unfortunately, largely be spent sitting down. Guardians often share concerns of how the soft glow of screen time captures the attention of young kids. But there are more ways to play than sitting at a desk or on the couch. Have you heard of exergames? They are a new genre of games designed to blend digital entertainment with physical exercise, offering a compelling solution to this issue. 

Games like "Just Dance," "Ring Fit Adventure," and "Nintendo Switch Sports" require players to move their bodies, promoting cardiovascular health and physical fitness. The goal is to transform sedentary screen time into active play. But these games offer more than just an alternative to more traditional exercises. They often require precise movements and quick reflexes, which can help improve hand-eye coordination, balance, and overall motor skills. For example: "Beat Saber" and "Dance Dance Revolution" challenge players to match movements to on-screen prompts.

Children, like adults, feel stress. Whether it's an upcoming math test, or just from trying to work out who they are as tiny humans. Moving around more is proven to boost moods and with that, reduce stress. Exergames provide a fun and engaging way for kids to benefit from these free chemical balancers. 

Many games require strategic thinking, problem-solving, and quick decision-making—and Exergames are no exception. The combination of cognitive and physical activity, can enhance brain function and even improve academic performance. Games like "Pokémon GO" encourage players to plan routes and make quick decisions, fostering cognitive development. Successfully mastering the challenges in these games can boost a child's confidence and self-esteem. By integrating physical activity into a fun context, these games can help children develop a lifelong appreciation for exercise without even noticing it. The positive associations formed through these games can encourage kid...