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 a forum for the uses of videogames in advertising, politics, education, and other everyday activities, outside the sphere of entertainment
ABOUT About This Site - RSS Feed Ian Bogost (editor) Gonzalo Frasca (editor emeritus) SPONSORS
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Pedometer Pets June 2, 2008 - by Ian Bogost Here's an interesting example of a mobile exergame. Arukotch is a tamagotchi-like virtual pet embedded in a pedometer. The "pet" is a "shy girl waiting for a proposal from a cute boy." The more steps you take, the more "healthy and beautiful" she becomes. Items like cell phones and gifts also reveal themselves as you walk more. These items can aid in obtaining, you know, a cute boy. Arukotch has been around for a few years, although I can't tell if it's still being produced. The concept is sort of insipid, but the coupling of movement to gameplay is more interesting than more complex and gimmicky physical controller. I do wonder which sort of physical games are capable of producing more results, little, cheap, low-commitment temporary ones like this one or large, expensive, ongoing ones like Wii Fit. (thanks to Julian) Comment from Tim Holt on June 4, 2008
Applications of the concept are endless... "Rapture Runner" - We put the fun in fundamentalist! Each step you take is a step for Him and a step towards Rapture! "Strip Stepper" - The more you walk, the more clothing they drop! "Jihad Jogger" - You come up with something, I don't want to be on some list. "Rice Runner" - Each step contributes a grain of rice to a food organization. POST A COMMENT
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