A disconnect with Kinect

A disconnect with Kinect

For years video games have been a primarily sedentary activity. Couches and controllers have gone hand in hand, but recently, new technology along with a rising interest in health has spawned a new genre of game. Dubbed by some as “Exergames,” these video games are set on being both entertaining and beneficial for the user’s health. They are primarily advertised as family games and not necessarily fitness oriented, but some people have begun to use them this way nevertheless. While this may seem like an interesting way to take some of the monotony out of exercising, these video games are unsurprisingly not the key to a healthy life.

Microsoft’s Kinect peripheral was introduced in November 2010 around the world. While Kinect was primarily displayed as a way to play “Exergames,” it also promised the potential for more complex gameplay as well. The add-on never fulfilled its true ability, but even today, the simple kid friendly fitness games generally show strong sales. In fact, the Kinect was so successful as a secondary peripheral that its functionality was engrained into Microsoft’s new Xbox One. Unfortunately for the many who bought this pricey piece of hardware, the use of a video game console as a source of exercise may only be slightly less ridiculous than it sounds.

Certainly, moving in any way is healthier than sitting motionless for hours while staring at a television. The true problem with the Kinect becomes clear when it’s compared to real forms of physical activity. Games like “Kinect Adventures” and “Kinect Sports” may get a player’s blood pumping, but in the end, they don’t provide enough strain for the activity to be beneficial. Some other Kinect “games” are focused purely on the fitness aspect and don’t claim to be more than just a digital personal trainer. While those are great (if not ridiculously dull), they too are often flawed. Kinect technology can be imprecise and may not properly detect movements as well as form. In a best-case scenario, a Kinect owner will be able to EMULATE the experience (and boredom) of going to a gym and working out. Fitness with Kinect isn’t an entirely flawed idea; however, the technology doesn’t offer any new or worthwhile ways of staying (or getting) in shape.

While Exergames do provide some physical activity, its best to avoid them and instead work out the old-fashioned way. It is worth mentioning that, contrary to popular belief, the Kinect does provide some novel gameplay experiences? Whether those are worth the steep price point is another decision entirely. Humans have been able to stay in shape for thousands of years and while it may seem ridiculous to have to say, it seems like they won’t start to use video games to do so now.