When Gaming Is Good for You

[ThinkAnarchy]

There have been made studies that show that high-level gamers have reaction times and mental sharpness equivalent to fighter pilots, though obviously not as good physical health.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/7808860/Computer-gamers-have-reactions-of-pilots-but-bodies-of-chain-smokers.html

The cyber-sportsmen had mental sharpness and psychological traits comparable to 'real' athletes, and reacted to visual stimuli almost as fast as fighter jet pilots.

But their fitness levels were shockingly low and comparable to people either much younger or much older than their actual age

The only conclusion that can be drawn is that a little gaming is good for you, but remember to get up out of the chair every now and then.

Or you could game this way and get some exercise while playing.
http://www.virtusphere.com/

[Guardian85]

I want one! 

[xSilverPhinx]

That sphere is awesome, though how much do you want to bet that someone will make a game where you're a hamster on a wheel?

*thinks to myself* I should patent my idea quickly...

[ThinkAnarchy]

That sphere is awesome, though how much do you want to bet that someone will make a game where you're a hamster on a wheel?

*thinks to myself* I should patent my idea quickly...

Last I checked, the price for one system was around $30,000 - $50,000. It may have been higher than that, I can't remember exactly, but I remember thinking there is no way in hell I can afford one. It also seems like you have to email them for a price quote. So I doubt many of us will have one in our homes for a while. The fact the price isn't easily viewable on their site makes me think it's still ridiculously expensive.

But I can't help but think of the possibilities when they find a cheaper way to produce it. The military and other police organizations already use them for training. I can only imagine how awesome FPS games would be in that thing.

And honestly, I would probably play that hamster game if there was some reward for running in place... It's stupid, but I'm not immune to that marketing ploy.


EDIT: I remember first seeing the product on Shark Tank, but I can't find a link to the particular segment.

[xSilverPhinx]

I downloaded their price list from http://www.virtusphere.com/product.html

Virtusphere Minimal Set
Includes:
10' Sphere with wheel platform
Movement sensor and sensor driver
Price: $28,000.00 FOB New York

Virtusphere Regular Set
Includes:
Virtusphere Minimal Set, Plus:
Computer
Wireless head mounted display (HMD)
Wireless 3DOF sensor
Gun manipulator
Two sample demo applications
Price: $35,000.00 FOB New York


Rolling Bar
for supporting User and
equipment inside Sphere
Price: $1,500.00 FOB New York

They also send you the price for customised combinations. No good to me though, it's all way over anything I could ever ever ever hope to pay.

And honestly, I would probably play that hamster game if there was some reward for running in place... It's stupid, but I'm not immune to that marketing ploy.

Interesting.

Great, now I can barely help taking the idea a little seriously. LOL

[pytheas]

In maths expenditute is two fold. one in forming the ideas, the other in reactionary responses=alertness of the field
In most games, expenditute is singular, reactionary responses=alertness of the field. creativity goes to pause, sleep or hibernation.

This does not seem to be a reasonable statement to me. A lot of games are related in some way to advanced problem solving and the need to make a plan and be able to execute it with limited recources. The concept that defines games away from movies and comic books, (cinema-going, i believe you called it) is the fact that the game presents a challenge and requires you to complete it to advance the game.
Those who play little don't often realise how much more thinking you have to do while playing a resonably advanced game as opposed to watching TV.

we agree, for the comparison games vs tv
but games vs maths is a different story
also i meant interactive televised video game, you see the action on screen and react to visual input, as opposed to real life reaction of bashing the rabbit in the holes when he pops up

[pytheas]

The only conclusion that can be drawn is that a little gaming is good for you, but remember to get up out of the chair every now and then.

hear, hear
X2