Should the Exergaming Industry Target Adults? An Exploratory Survey
Open Access
- Author:
- Beale, Stephanie Marie
- Area of Honors:
- Information Sciences and Technology
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Dr. Madhu Reddy, Thesis Supervisor
Rosalie Ocker, Thesis Honors Advisor
Rosalie Ocker, Faculty Reader - Keywords:
- exergaming
adults
survey
exploratory survey
exercise
video games
exergames
active video games - Abstract:
- Background: Exergames, video games that contain interactive physical activity, tend to be targeted for children or older adults with disabilities. However, the exergaming industry has not focused on the general adult population. Research Questions: Can exergames effectively entertain adult users? What do adults perceive to be the benefits and drawbacks of exergaming? What sections of the adult population (if any) should the exergaming industry be targeting? What design and marketing suggestions can be made based on the circumstances of adult interest in exergaming? Research Methods: Literature review and online survey hosted by Qualtrics. Participants: Sixty adults responded to the survey through Amazon Mechanical Turk. Results: Adults found exergames to be entertaining and to currently provide a moderate workout. The main advantages of exergaming were generally perceived to be their convenience, entertainment, and social aspects. The main drawbacks were the equipment costs and the perceived inability of exergames to provide an adequate workout. Conclusion: Adults are generally interested in exergaming, provided that exergames are entertaining, deliver a moderately vigorous workout, and offer a social/multiplayer aspect. If designed and marketed correctly, adult-targeted exergames could physically benefit adults and financially benefit the exergaming industry.