I just want to put in my two cents on something that's kind of bugged me since it came out. The Kinect, from Microsoft. Is it awesome? Hell yeah, I can wave my hand and things happen like on Iron Man or Minority Report. It's really fun to play with, and the implications aren't limited to games, but computer use, military application, even drafting, construction, and physical therapy could be really helped by this technology, without a question.
My question arose when I watched someone jumping around, kicking a ball in a Kinect soccer game, "head"ing it, and nearly diving to block shots on goal. Was it neat? Again, definitely, but I have to ask myself, at that point aren't you just finding more non-social ways to do social things? If you want to play soccer, go outside and play! Not only were the games taking you away from outdoor activities and things to do with friends away from the TV, now they're teaching you that you don't even need the outside activities, you can do them inside and alone.
I think we need more interactive games, and by interactive, I mean with other humans, talking, interacting with them, not a computer. I remember friends hanging out at my house, drinking our mountain dew and playing Tekken, taking turns passing the controller around and laughing as someone got their ass kicked. Video games can be social, but it feels like more and more they're encouraging you not to be.
Just my 4 cents worth (I never stop at 2). Let me know what you think below, and I'll talk to you soon!
I think there's also a safety issue. Yeah, you can play soccer inside, but didn't your mother always get mad when you did? And didn't you always break something?
ReplyDeletePeople tend to get caught up in video games (I know I do). And there's already warnings on Wii controllers to ensure the wrist strap is on, since people have thrown them at TVs, windows, and other players. With the Kinect, you can't put a tether on yourself. ;)
I'm all for being more active, but you have to make sure you do things in the appropriate environment.