Nintendo Wii: Making Playing Video Games a Healthy Lifestyle?

Over the years, video games have received a bad rap for many different things. From the gory and detailed violence that some of them portray, to their prospective potential to draw people in to the point of addiction. There have been many lawsuits and complaints over the years regarding video games.

However, over the past decade, video games have taken a turn for the better in terms of reputation. Clearly, people who have been avid gamers, specifically since the beginning were not swayed by the various lawsuits that persisted over the years. However, as video games began to evolve, and appeal to a wider range of people, the naysayers that were so prevalent throughout the 1990s began to come around. Video games are still a viable pass-time for kids, teens, and even adults.

Additionally violence is still plentiful, and there are many games, particularly those in the massive multi-player online role-playing game genre that people still find addictive; however, there has been more of an emphasis on creating interactive learning games, as well as games that promote movement and even exercise. As a result, a larger fan base is emerging.

No system is more innovative in the area of bringing an interactive gaming experience to the player than the Nintendo Wii. The Wii presents a unique gaming environment in which the player moves around in order to control the character or other entity on the television screen. You can even sweeten the deal with a premium satellite service such as direct.tv. What better way to play your favorite video games with in HD viewing?

Additionally, the Wii released an entire program devoted to exercise and moving around called the Wii Fit. The Wii Fit provides an intelligent interface in which people can obtain their current stats, and then keep track of them over the course of a period of time to reach a specific goal they have set for themselves. The Fit is a fun and interactive way for people to play a video game and not even realize they are simultaneously burning calories. The aspect of this concept that is so appealing is that it works particularly well for getting kids who normally do not like going outside to play, to exercise inadvertently.

I’ll Just Play A Few Mintues

Zuma Cover

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You only plan on looking at your favorite Facebook game for just a few minutes. After all, everyone deserves a break – right? While that is  true, the reality is some of the popular games on Facebook and similar systems are costing you a lot more than you think they are. Instead of going out and buying a new computer game, many of us are relying on ‘free’ games offered online. The time we spend playing these games is time that could be better spent else where.

Consider, for example, a freelance copywriter who works from home. They have the ability to control their income, perhaps more so than any other profession. Waking up in the morning to check their farm or play a level of free Zuma only takes a few minutes – except it actually takes much longer. Take a few minutes to add up just how much time you spend each day checking your game out, trying to level up, or just trying to spend a few mindless minutes. You might be surprised to find that it isn’t five or ten minutes, it is two or three hours.

That’s the point of those games, they are designed to keep you playing, keep you seeing those ads, keep you busy. They take you away from your work, from your family, from your life. There is actually a Farmville Addiction program. They take a lot of time and energy.

Sure, if you are only of those people who can control themselves very strictly and carefully monitor how much time you spend playing, go ahead. If you aren’t, you just might want to stay away.

The Cost of Mindless Games

Image representing Facebook as depicted in Cru...

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Facebook has become the most recognizable social networking site in the world. Millions of people populate the site every day to stay in touch with friends and family. It’s one of those things that if you aren’t on facebook you are in the small minority.

For all the good that Facebook brings to the lives of the people around it, there are some things that people need to be aware of when it comes to the games you can play. Many of these games, like Farmville and Cityville, are very fun and entertaining games but they come with a bit of a sacrifice.  When you sign up for these games you are allowing them to use your information.

This idea of sharing the information from your profile seems harmless, right? After all you might populate your friends user feed with a little bit of spam about the game, but there is more to the story than just that. You are giving them access to your personal information. This also allows them to access your friends profiles and their personal information. While you might not mind all that much, your friends certainly do.

The unfortunate part of this is that it’s difficult to play these very entertaining games without giving your friends information or access away. So, you have a decision to make. The personal choice to many is to avoid it to protect your own personal information. Facebook games are a fun way to pass the time, but there is always a price to pay for playing them. In this case it’s privacy.

 

Recent Games Releases for PC

Aliens: Colonial Marines

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Thinking of buying a new computer game to play? Check out these recent releases and see if there is anything that peaks your interest.

Aliens: Colonial Marines

This time round sees the player put into the position of a United States Colonial Marine. You will be battling the usual suspects such as aliens, in the standard dark and menacing surroundings. This game is able to be played in single player mode or multiple player modes and is available for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.

Alice: Madness Returns

For those of you who love the book and the movies, now you can enjoy this follow up to the first game. 1o years after the conclusion of the original game, Alice is released from an insane asylum. She is then set to battle the crazed world of wonderland that awaits. Can you help her overcome her fears? Available for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.

Star Wars: The Old Republic

If you’ve ever wanted to know what the world was like before Darth Vader, then this is the game for you. It enables a player to choose from a range of characters enabling him or her to follow them through their journey with the dark side of the force. Play by yourself or team up with friends to battle evil. Available on Pc, and MMORPG.

Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime

Get your slime on with this second installment of Ghostbusters. This game is available to download, so you can play it by yourself, with friends, or with people on the other side of the world! Available on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.

 

Computers are a Boat-Load of Fun

Virtually anything can be created on computers, even love, and some things are there just to make it entertaining for the user. Everything is at the fingertips and there for the asking.

Popular activities, like sports betting (which can be virtual or real), and many other games can be found online. Do a local Google search (local.google.com) on the term ‘sports betting.’ Google also has some other cool tricks up its virtual sleeve to help a user find what exactly is wanted:

  • Get flight information by typing an airline’s name and flight number and Google will give details about the flight.
  • Type in a Postal tracking number to find the location of a shipped item.
  • Anyone can see who’s linked to their website or page. Just type in “link:” and type the URL immediately after the colon.
  • Researchers and students often need PDF files, and they can be found by typing in “file type:PDF” after search terms.
  • Google calculator – just type in the math problem and Google will answer it.
  • Type the stock symbol (e.g. msft for Microsoft) and get charts, prices and other good stuff.
  • Google definition – Type in “define:” and the word to be defined right after the colon.
  • Use Google for searches that are local to a specific area. Go to local.google.com and type in restaurants (or sports betting), and get results for that particular area.
  • Want to know who called? Simply enter an area code and phone number.
  • Get the local weather forecast by typing in “weather” and a zip code.

Whether it’s sports betting or the game of Life, the Internet is full of useful websites.

World of Warcraft Leveling – Tips and Tricks

The World Of Warcraft Launcher or Patcher

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Building your WoW character and carefully completing quests takes time, effort and patience. But, there are some tricks and tips to level efficiently. This way, you can enter into the area matches or PVP grounds without totally failing miserably. Depending on the type of character or toon you’ve designed, you want to make sure you visit all the areas that benefit them and their professions.

Since the Cataclysm upgrade for the popular MMO came out, leveling your toon through the first 15 levels is easy. It’s best to remain in your starting area when you finish creating your character. This area is designed to get you leveling easily and reducing your chance of dying. After you hit level 15, the final quest giver you visit will direct you to the next area to start gaining higher levels. If you miss this, which can sometimes happen, it’s time to head for the nearest big in-game city.

If you’ve started a toon in the Eastern Kingdom, head for the Undercity. There’s a whole hoard of quests to be given there. Find Lady Sylvannas in the Silverpine Forest to start a string of quests that will work your toon up to level 25. If you began in Kalimdor, go straight to Orgrimmar. The war chief’s command board has plenty of work for a leveler like you to do. If you find yourself stuck between quests and not leveling fast enough, grind a little. Grinding is the act of killing same level monsters as you in order to push your level over a bit. It can be tiring, but it’s worth it in the end.

Game Informer: Informing you of the Best Games

Gaming magazines have been around since the advent of Super Nintendo, and what a ride it has been. Particularly for one corporate-style efficient magazine — “Game Informer.” The goods are in each page about some of the best games, reviews, articles, news — anything you want. But just know this:

Reading those pages will be like a trip to the professional poker tables stacked to the brim with chips that’ll make you drool. And those chips are all the tips and tricks you’ll find for some of the most popular games. You want to be able to beat that PlayStation 3 game? Pick up a Game Informer. You might find some secrets no one else will have — codes, tactics, strategies, you name it.

Moreover, getting an inside look at new consoles and accessories is always a blast, giving you a detailed sign of what’s up ahead in the gaming frontier. You can spout out to your friends about the latest news, such as the Wii 2 being revealed in 2012 and how it’s sporting a controller with a screen on it. Or how about 3D gaming technology? Anything that’s new and state of the art, you’ll find in a Game Informer. Why?

Because they’re always on top of the news. Whether it’s an XBox 360 story, Playstation 3 sensation, or Wii rave. If you’re into games, getting a subscription on one of these magazines, such as the Game Informer, would be a healthy decision to make. Get in on the action. Find your subscription today and make the gaming life even more real than it already is.

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Using Video Games as Therapy for Children

Hand Eye coordination

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Child psychologists, parents, and school administrators have more information now than in previous generations, about the causes of a child’s ineptitude in social situations. They know that a child who comes from an abusive home, regardless of the type or extent of abuse, can suffer socially.

Some children are resilient enough to bounce back, and may even be friendly and outgoing as a means of escape. Others, unfortunately, might become withdrawn, painfully shy, and frequently unhappy. Still others act out in aggressive ways that could be harmful to them and to other children.

Armed with this information, adults in a child’s life also know how to reverse some of the effects of abuse. Therapy with professionals is one course of treatment. Now, psychologists and child advocates are beginning to realize the benefit of therapy using video or computer games. This is most beneficial in cases where children react aggressively or impulsively among other children, making it hard for them to make and keep friends.

Social Benefits of Game-playing

Starting with easy games they can beat, children build self-confidence they lost from the abuse they experienced. Children who interact with one another while playing games, learn to take turns, learn good sportsmanship, and can develop self-esteem and self-concept, skills they need to make friends.

Children also learn self-control when practicing hand-eye coordination, learning to correct mistakes they make in the game, and being motivated to achieve the goal of successfully completing the game.

Using the normal techniques of therapy, such as talking about what is bothering them, one on one or in a group, along with playing therapeutic video game playing, alone or with others, builds the necessary skills children need to heal.

Computer Games Helping ADD Children Focus

Researchers are using video games to monitor the brain waves of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. The tests hope to prove that playing video or computer games will help children with concentration and focus. Lack of concentration in ADD children is a major cause of learning problems in the classroom.

ADD children can learn to adjust the activity in their brain that requires them to focus, when the results of biofeedback displays on a monitor screen. With proper training, these adjustments become automatic. Using video games with ADD children helps to train their brain to focus in order to receive the reward of winning the game. Researchers based this on tests given to pilots to increase attentiveness on long flights.

Parents of the ADD patients tested, reported improvements in their child’s ability to focus, and in their social skills. They also reported that they noticed improvements in overall classroom performance and an improvement in their grades.

Researchers believe that by playing video games, ADD children can increase their attention spans, while reducing their hyperactivity and their impulsiveness. They train their own brain waves to complete a game because it is self-rewarding. Given motivation to win a game, patients tried harder to concentrate on the rules of the game.

Not all types of video games will aid ADD children. Certain games, especially violent video games, can trigger impulsiveness, as a type of caught up in the frenzy response, which is unhealthy for any child.

Learning games that reward children with points throughout game play are best. Alphabet, word, and math games that require identification of letters, spelling of words, or solving simple math problems, helps them to pay attention, in order to win the game.

Monitoring Computer and Video Games for Children

This is a picture of an XBOX.

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Inconclusive evidence on both sides of the computer or video game debate regarding ill effects and benefits, leaves the job of limiting video game playing to parents.

As with anything in life, the old adage, too much of anything is not good for you, rings true in the world of computer games. If playing video games interferes with the essentials for a healthy environment, it becomes problematic. Limiting the type of games played, combined with the amount of time spent playing, can reduce the risks of bad habits regarding children and video game playing.

Educational Games

If children learn something, whether it is a skill or a technique for acquiring a skill by playing a particular game, it becomes a therapeutic tool. In determining the value of the game for educational purposes, parents should read the objectives of a video game.

If, however, they spend countless hours playing games with no obvious benefit, it can become detrimental to their mental well-being.

Age and Skill Level of Games

Parents aware of the learning style of their children can choose video or computer games that will highlight the child’s talents, or improve skills they lack. Games that stimulate problem-solving can boost a child’s self-esteem. Choosing the appropriate skill level for the age of the child will reduce a child’s frustration of the inability to play the game or win it.

Knowing your child and familiarizing yourself with the aspects of the computer or video games they play, will help to determine the value of game playing. It will also alert parents when children show signs of overdoing it, when playing computer or video games.

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