According to NHS statistics, in 2008 a third of children within the UK were classified as either overweight or obese. The Serious Games Institute has been working with the University of Warwick and NHS West Midlands to tackle this issue through the creation of a serious game using active interaction devices, encouraging children to replace sedentary screentime with active, whilst teaching them the importance of a healthy diet.
According to NHS statistics, in 2008 a third of children within the UK were classified as either overweight or obese [1]. Serious games offer a potential for reaching difficult demographics, and this is explored within this project through the development of a Wii game for children aged 9-13. Encouraging them to replace time spent playing sedentary, non-educational video games with an active alternative, the game is designed with engaging, active, and fun gameplay at the forefront, using the Wii-mote and balance board. Players navigate between a series of islands using the balance board, and are tasked with solving 3D block puzzles themed around nutrition.
NHS Information Centre (2009) Health Survey for England - 2008 trend tables. Online at:
Download the tablesProject Contact:Dr. Ian Dunwell
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