Electronic Arts' Fit Game is Sweatier than Nintendo's

Also, it's a brand...

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Vinnie Jones Soccer: Boss Battle.
Vinnie Jones Soccer: Boss Battle.
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The head of EA Sports, Peter Moore, used to be a physical education teacher. With this background he feels " validated on my commentary on exercise" - and why not? This means that he's been able to tell Forbes that EA's new EA Sports Active game (and brand) has "a more Western philosophy to exercise" than Nintendo's Wii Fit.

What does this mean, Peter? Well, your Eastern game using its balance board is, "a lot of fun, but it is primarily based on coordination and balance". That, apparently, is not what us Westerners are cut out for. We want to sweat. Surely that's actually a bit too active? Yes, according to Moore, what we Occidentals want is actually "at least a threat of sweating for there to be true cardiovascular exercise".

Ah-so, Wii Fit isn't true cardiovascular exercise at all then.

So, what is EA Sports Active (the game and the brand)? Firstly, it's "a departure from the core business". It's also not competing with the astronomically successful Nintendo Wii game. Of course it isn't, why would you need two fitness games with peripherals? "We're bringing with EA Sports Active a more Western philosophy to exercise, which is about getting your heart rate up, keeping it there and sweating. They are both different and complimentary and reflect different views on what exercise is", says the former PE teacher.

That means you can have both! Superb business. It's also a "product line" and not simply a game - and it comes with hardware. According to Forbes, this means, "New peripheral devices [additional straps, steps or slides] would allow consumers to work out more effectively in front of the television."

This could give a real, sweaty, Western approach in, says Pete, a 'Soccer' game where, "You're heading the ball, tackling and building out your lower body".

Tackling? Really? Be prepared for Vinnie Jones Soccer Skills! And with that, Emergency Paramedic Driver II.

Anyway, EA Sports Active (the game and the brand) is due out with its peripherals for Nintendo Wii in 2009.

Source: Forbes
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