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Does Move Suffer Due To Woefully Out Of Shape Gamers?

I'm sorry, I just have to ask.

I despise stereotypes more than anyone, and as our PSXE Show viewers have seen, I don't really qualify for any of the standard hardcore gamer stereotypes. I also know plenty of gamers who are normal in size and social ability. The idea that all avid gamers are fat, lazy, and afraid of sunshine really irritates the hell out of me, especially when the anti-game activists make such rash assumptions.

But sadly, most gaming is sedentary and while the industry is now mainstream, most long-time gamers were the outcasts when younger; they were the nerds, the geeks, the opposite of jocks. Hence, they weren't in the greatest shape. And of course, as we get older and our metabolism decides to take a permanent vacation, it's even harder to get – and remain – healthy. Hardcore gamers tend to own systems like the PlayStation 3 and unfortunately, their history involves never moving when playing a video game. Fingers don't count.

The Wii is different. Don't freak out, Wii fans, it's true and you know it. Kids and senior citizens don't exactly qualify as hardcore gamers, and neither do most girls between the ages of 25 and 35. We're not pulling any punches, here. We're owning up to facts. The PS3 and 360, on the other hand – and who has heard anything about Kinect, recently? – tend to appeal to the hardcore; those who put gaming at the top of their hobby list. I really believe the PS3 is the ultimate hardcore console, too; the 360 has far more mainstream influence.

Therefore, at the end of the day, Sony is trying to convince the hardcore gamer that PlayStation Move is worth their while. And I'm just afraid that too many in the audience are woefully out of shape, and that's at least part of the reason why Move, while hardly a failure, isn't exactly a runaway smash hit. You do have to move a little with Sony's motion system, even though you can get away with just wrist action at times. At the end of the day, I have this sinking feeling that one enduring stereotype of the hardcore gamer remains at least somewhat true, and it's hurting PlayStation Move.

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mike rlz
mike rlz
12 years ago

no. if youre so out of shape you cant flail your arms around (generalization) you have a whole other set of problems. move suffers because hardcore gamers just arent very interested. i dont think very many casual gamers ala wii invested in a ps3. i know when i finish loading ups freight trucks i dont want to have my arms up anymore. give me a controller.


Last edited by mike rlz on 8/3/2011 9:38:06 PM

StangMan80
StangMan80
12 years ago

^ Great read, mike! ^

playSTATION
playSTATION
12 years ago

same here. after a long day of work the last thing i wanna do is to hold the controller instead of moving my arms around here and there

Underdog15
Underdog15
12 years ago

Even at the end of a long day of work at my -desk- job, I don't want to move around when playing games.

I have sports for that.

Qubex
Qubex
12 years ago

No, I don't think so Ben… maybe it simply down to many a gamer not interested in the device. I know for one, I will never be purchasing it.

I love my controller, and that is as far as it goes. Have to say though, I have no doubts there are chubby gamers out there who have tyres for stomachs… it may be part of the issue.

It may also be the motion gaming simply will not grow to be such a big deal. Don't know how much more Kinect has sold by Sony have been awfully quiet on Move sales figures… maybe they have plateaued.

Anyway, it is not of great interest to me… who feels similarly?

Q!

"play.experience.enjoy"

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

I said I'd wait and see if Move could deliver on games and it just hasn't, so no I have no interest in buying it.

GuyverLT
GuyverLT
12 years ago

I stand by what I said when they 1st released it. There was no reason for them come out with the Move when they already had the motion control in the sixaxis controller all they had to do is come out with some kinda of updated controller or a more advanced version of that of that instead coping Nintendo's TV remote.

The Move is just uninteresting, and many people see as the Wii's TV remote for the PS3 it might use different tech, but at the very core, it does the same exact thing, not to mention the fact that it's not even doing as good as Kinect (sale wise). Kinect is somewhat of a hit because of Microsoft's great marketing ability (say what you want about them, the dude know how to sale they're stuff). Sony lacks as far as marketing they're peripherals for they're console, for example we all know that the Kinect is nothing more than a sleek looking PS Eye Toy for the 360, but the PS Eye was never that popular and people never really took it because Sony wasn't very convincing as to why people should get it it like they just made they cool device and just forgot about it, so Microsoft took the idea and ran away with and it's become a hit for them.


Last edited by GuyverLT on 8/4/2011 12:04:07 PM

Ignitus
Ignitus
12 years ago

I feel like that too. I'm not interested in MOVE, I like old school dual shock gaming and that's how I will play my games, thank you very much.

Jawknee
Jawknee
12 years ago

I think it has more to do with a lack of AAA move dedicated games.

I know a lot of gamers and only one of them is over weight but he can still move. He rocks out on stage with his bass.

Fox hounder
Fox hounder
12 years ago

@Jawknee. I agree, there aren't enough must own games that utilise the move, i think another problem is that it doesn't seem to be getting much third party support. I might pick the move up if house of the dead is any good.


Last edited by Fox hounder on 8/3/2011 10:19:59 PM

ThingsOnFire
ThingsOnFire
12 years ago

I find it fascinating how nerds are stereotypically seen as skinny and there's also this other stereotype floating around that they're fat. Tends to show you how stereotypes don't make much sense.

Fabi
Fabi
12 years ago

Let's be real. Stereotypes make some sense…
But we all, for the most part, try to be PC.

Not saying that they're universally true. But they usually do have some truth to them.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

I'm sure plenty of gamers fit the stereotype, hell there are stereotypes for a reason, but I think motion controls aren't a runaway hit because they aren't a particularly compelling way to game. You are limited to an on-rails experience (no matter what Molyneaux says about that new Fable) and there's just a lot more one can do with a game presentation when the gamer has true control over numerous actions which engage the mind instead of the body. If I'm worried about my flailing form and if it matches what is asked of me then I'm really just stuck inside the gimmick.

Kinect benefited from MS's clever advertising that convinced people it was something new and would be the future of gaming. But look at it, everyone who said it had all these unlimited possibilities have to eat their words because there's nothing there you really need that a great controller can't do better.

As they say, there's no "there" there with motion gaming.

As far as being out of shape goes I have to say I wonder just how many CoD gamers will be able to run the real full scale MW2 training course available at CoD XP. hah

Qubex
Qubex
12 years ago

Yes, the Milo demo was impressive… but as soon as I saw families huddle around the TV trying to drive a car using a steering wheel that wasn't there I just had enough… it looked dumb…. they can have it…

:: roll eyes ::

Give me Sony's VR helmet anyday!

Q!

"play.experience.enjoy"

FM23
FM23
12 years ago

Move is unnecessary. I'm young and in shape and I could give two craps about Move…it's a gimmick of course. Plus the Wii came before it.

jimmyhandsome
jimmyhandsome
12 years ago

No, not at all. Move suffers because smart people see past the bull sh*t. And plenty of smart people own PS3s.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
12 years ago

I think that's wrong, here's why. move, and all motion control systems are unsuited to what the majority of hardcore gamers play. Motion controls in most games really do not fit, except in peripheral ways and in mini-games. Where motion controls do fit in is in the more casual and party style games. The trouble is that in the end, those are not currently the most popular games on the consoles.

But, as the PS4 draws near and the pS34 drops in price again – which it will, it will fall within reach of more casual gamers. Just as the PS2 has. As the market develops and hardcore gamers switch to the new platform, the user base of the PS3 will shift towards younger and more casual gamers to whom Move is better suited. This is more or less what happened with the PS2. Move is a slow burn product that has a long life ahead of it – just like the EyeToy and then the PSEye after it.

Nas Is Like
Nas Is Like
12 years ago

I don't know why but I thought of Jawknee when I saw that picture above.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

South Park my friend.

Jawknee
Jawknee
12 years ago

That's a great episode.

Dreno
Dreno
12 years ago

Great topic ben, I'm on the fence though. I'm not sure I agree, but I'm also not sure I disagree. Yes, while some of the hardcore gamers were waiting for AAA titles for the move and that's why their not interested, that's completely understandable. But I can also see out of shape people not wanting anything to do with the move, no offense of course.

As for myself, I'm prolly average in weight for my height, maybe a little over, I don't know. I'm like 5'10" about a buck-80ish. And there's really only 2 move titles that interest me at the moment. Well, 3 more like it. Heavy rain and lbp2, which can played with or without the move. And the one game I REALLY wanna get for the move is the ufc personal trainer. Not so much to lose weight, but more so to tighten everything up, and learn some mma techniques while I'm at it.

So yeah, I'm leavin on a high note like george castanza.

Excelsior1
Excelsior1
12 years ago

it is the lack of games that hurt the move. it's not people being out of shape. there are no hot titles to drive sales. it's that simple..

Fane1024
Fane1024
12 years ago

Agreed. Has anything (besides the Move-enabled shooters) released since the launch window?

Heroes On The Move…that's about it…and apparently that wasn't very good.

cLoudou
cLoudou
12 years ago

I'm against motion control gaming in general, me being overweight, lazy or anti-social does not factor into that.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

I don't think overweight gamers shun the Move because it makes them stand up and do things ya know? If a game is truly great it will make gamers overcome all obstacles to play it.

And, I don't think Move is going to help anybody lose weight either. Wii fit didn't get any of the fat moms in shape ya know? That MMA training game for Kinect? I laughed when I saw it.

matt99
matt99
12 years ago

haha fat moms made me laugh, that's exactly what comes to mind when I think of the wii fit.

Dreno
Dreno
12 years ago

Fat moms and wii fit? That's what you guys think of when you think of the wii fit?
Seriously?

I'm just wondering, cause when I think of the wii fit, I think of the wii fit girl.
Youtube that sh*t.

Thanks to tosh.0 for introducing me to that video.

Seriously guys, we can't be friends anymore. We just don't have anything in common. GOSH!

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
12 years ago

Yes, but anyone who doesn't know what a fallacy these health and fitness products are is displaying less IQ than their shoelaces.

matt99
matt99
12 years ago

I think it suffers more due to laziness and also the fact that gaming is used to relax after a long day for most people. I mean, who wants to 'move' after a long day?

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

not me, I got a bad knee.

Warrior Poet
Warrior Poet
12 years ago

Ehhh.

I'm a hardcore gamer. I'm also a black belt who can kick through walls (lots of fun).

1:1 boxing and sword fighting games would definitely be more fun than remote waggles, and more challenging, but I can't imagine anyone would be too out-of-shape to stand in front of their TV and swing a weightless, invisible sword. At least, not from regular physical inactivity.

I'm not interested in Move because I don't think it's worth the money. No great games and it's expensive.

Warrior Poet
Warrior Poet
12 years ago

BTW, 1:1 fighting games would be incredible for someone like me who loves sparring but doesn't always have a partner. If devs could accurately program the AI, games could be used as great practice (and fun) for martial arts enthusiasts – although they'd be no replacement for a teacher.

Hmm…I know a lot of karate guys who play Tekken. There would definitely be a market for that, actually.

Underdog15
Underdog15
12 years ago

You sound like a drywaller's nightmare.

JPBooch
JPBooch
12 years ago

There is aboxing game for the move, you should check it out. You actually have to use force when you punch and it is very tiring. I haven't played it and forgot the name. Also, Sports Champions Gladiator Duel makes you work out, it also features moves that rely on the force you use when you swing your sword. There are no cheating in either of those games. Though, unfortunately, neither is multiplayer.

Warrior Poet
Warrior Poet
12 years ago

If I had a partner I wouldn't be playing Move 😛

That does sound pretty cool. I don't just want something tiring, though, I want something accurate. Does anyone know if it's anything like a real fight (minus the pain, of course?)

Man, I'm making myself sound like I get in fights all the time 😛 A good match is always fun, though! If they could make it like playing chess against a computer…well, then I could get my butt kicked every time

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
12 years ago

By the way, I know they're zero chance anyone will actually admit to being out of shape, and saying that contributes to their dislike of Move. It's human nature to be defensive about this.

But I can almost guarantee that even those who say Move "just isn't for me" or "doesn't have any games I want" just MIGHT have a "moving" problem that factors in. Subconsciously, of course. 😉

Karosso
Karosso
12 years ago

Ben, I think you might be surprised by the current generation of gamers. I know quite a few and they all do sports of same kind, and are very fit. But that might be why I associate with them in the first place…
I'm out of shape by my girl's standards. Even thou I can run a full marathon and hike up Breakneck Ridge non stop in 30 minutes, she still can do better, damn the woman LOL

matt99
matt99
12 years ago

I'll admit I'm slightly out of shape, and also extremely lazy…it's why I didn't like the Wii

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
12 years ago

Karosso: I'm talking about hardcore gamers. A great many are fine, but plenty are sadly out of shape. I think we all know this.

Underdog15
Underdog15
12 years ago

Well, Ben, of course the stereotype will apply to some people. Additionally, it's hard for anyone to comment on since none of us have done a -good- study on it, and each of us will have our own opinions based on personal experience.

The 1 guy I play multiplayer with primarily, (who, by the way, is an avid RPG-lover) is also an excellent hockey player. He single handedly mops up teams at the college level. And although lately the only sport I've played avidly is baseball, I played 2 varsity sports in the OCAA (division of CCAA) in university. And it's not like I'm a big n' slow baseball player… last night I stole 2 bases, (walked once), and hit 2 singles, one of which was a bunt.

The other gamers I played with in university were also into one sport or another. So for me, most hardcore gamers I know are also athletes. Heck, half of us growing up would be away at some tournament, come home, stay the night at each other's houses, and play video games until 5 am.

Yet, I'm sure for someone else, maybe all their friends lead a much more sedentary lifestyle.

I dunno… at the end of the day, the stereotypes will exist, but I don't believe they exist to the extent that they are majorly to blame for the Move's lack of blockbuster caliber success. If you ask me, the biggest reason is because there's next to nothing for it that requires you to have the best experience via Move. The ONLY game I know of that was a bunch of fun was Sports Champions. Other's were ok, but let's be honest… the only AAA quality games that use the Move are much better when you use the DS3.

Until that changes, the Move will continue to be a mediocre addition. It's a wonderful device, to be sure, but it needs the software to support it. That's, what I believe, hampers it the most.


Last edited by Underdog15 on 8/3/2011 11:28:17 PM

Beamboom
Beamboom
12 years ago

How can you be so out of shape that it becomes uncomfortable to pick up the Move controller and wave that one around? I mean, is that even humanly possible?
Ok so maybe you'd not pick up a full physical response game like tennis or table tennis (or… did I mention tennis? =)) but there are other games for Move too, you know. Like strategy games, puzzle games, stuff that is not very physical or require quick reflexes.


Last edited by Beamboom on 8/4/2011 2:07:51 AM

Qubex
Qubex
12 years ago

Well, I'm no pencil neck, I'm chubby, but not huge… I could lose 10kg's… to come down to my ideal weight – puppy fat they call it… still not interested in Move at all…

Q!

"play.experience.enjoy"

jimmyhandsome
jimmyhandsome
12 years ago

@ Underdog

Was it a suicide squeeze you put on?

I'm actually in great shape and even if I wasn't it'd have nothing to do with why I don't play the move. I run 3-5 days a week and work out at the gym 2-3 days as well. I don't think I look like the "stereotypical fat gamer" in any way whatsoever.

I think the move suffers with hardcore gamers because, well, hardcore gamers want to play hardcore games. Most of the games that are out for move, regardless if they actually make you stand up and MOVE around, aren't exactly great hardcore games.

Underdog15
Underdog15
12 years ago

Suicide Squeeze is when you try to bunt home 3rd base, right?

I got the sign to bunt when runners were on 1st and 2nd with none out. Ended up juicing the bases. It was supposed to be a sacrifice bunt. Juiced bases was much nicer.

The RBI was the other single. Runner at 2nd, lined a single up the middle. The two SB's were right after that at-bat and again when I walked to lead off the 4th inning.


Last edited by Underdog15 on 8/4/2011 9:02:20 AM

Excelsior1
Excelsior1
12 years ago

i know several hardcore gamers and they are in normal shape. people being out of shape has nothing to do with with harfdcore gamers not liking the move. just go look at the games for the move, there is NOTHING there to excite a hardcore gamer. i assure you if there was a killer app experience to be had with the move even the out of shape gamers would follow. most of the games are either casual demo like experiences or a couple of old games with move controls tacked on.

they need some games for the move. 3rd party support has been almost non exisistent as well. it will be the lack of games that kill the move, not out of shape gamers. a better article would have been does the move suffer from a lack of games?


Last edited by Excelsior1 on 8/4/2011 9:57:00 AM

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
12 years ago

Ben, I'll happily admit to being very much south of 'fit', but that has nothing to do with whether or not I buy or use Move.

Karosso
Karosso
12 years ago

Funny story about that… My girlfriend just had her house warming party a few weeks ago and her best friend's hubby, with who I get along famously, asked me to bring my PS3 over for the "boys". He was crazy to try PGA12 with Move, him being a golf enthusiast and all. So here is a short version of what happened.

1- Move was the bomb, everyone wanted to try it, the Move Champion's games were a hit.

2- After I started Flower, all you could hear was "WOW" "Aww" "OMG that's so pretty". This one girl actually refused to give me back the sixaxis LOL

3- I played almost 5 hours of Uncharted at the end of the party and everyone was spell bound, girls included. They wanted me to keep playing to see what would happen next. The girls noted things I had never paid attention to, like the beautiful pattern on the rugs on the floor( No, I'm not kidding).

The Move was the highest point, and even thou most people were excited about the casual games, I'm sure if they had a chance to try Heavy Rain with move, they would be even more impressed. I guess what I'm trying to say is, hardcore gamers and casual gamers for that matter, would make more use of the Move if the content feels right with it. We just need more innovation and and killer content. They need to have that one hit that everyone wants to play and makes headlines, and it will take off… "if you build, they will come".

"Winter is Coming"

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

That's swell, and great for get-togethers, but the majority of gaming done by the hardcore is done more or less alone (even multiplayer is usually just over the net). I mean, let's say you had such a good time you wanted to do that once a week or even once a month, how long do you think you could keep it up and have people show up every time?

Beamboom
Beamboom
12 years ago

Karosso, I hope you are right. I hope it's all about the lack of killer content, and not the usability of the device.

I am currently not convinced that it is the case, but I hope so!


Last edited by Beamboom on 8/4/2011 1:45:23 AM

556pineapple
556pineapple
12 years ago

Move suffers due to not enough killer move games and woefully broke gamers like me.

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