Video Games Encourage Kids to Get Outside

With obesity rates on the rise, the video game industry is trying to do its part to keep kids moving. Not only are games being created that can be classified as exergames, games are also being created that are encouraging kids to get outside and get moving. Aspyr Media recently published TreasureWorld, which is a game for the Nintendo DS that converts real-world wifi signals into online treasures. In this game, more than 2,500 in-game items and ‘treasures’ can be unlocked as players access the more than 200 million wifi treasure spots worldwide that are registered within the game. There is also an iPhone application called HiddenPark, which is an adventure that leads children into a fantasy world of trolls, fairies and tree genies right in their local park. To read more about both games go to this post, Using Digital Hide and Seek to Get Kids Outside: A Treasure Trove of Ideas, on the Shaping Youth blog.