Chip Tech Creates New Types of Fun

Aug. 6, 2004 -- In this week's Cybershake, we take a look at how technology is creating new types of games that may inspire kids to get up and do something — like, dance "The Funky Chicken."

Remember the good, old days when toys and playthings were mainly powered by a child's imagination and muscles? Computer chip technology seems to have killed off those simpler times. Almost.

Some toymakers are using digital technology in innovative playthings that may actually encourage kids to become something other than video game couch potatoes.

Since 1999, Japanese video game giant has produced an imaginative title called "Dance Dance Revolution" (DDR) for arcades and amusement centers. The game challenges players to mimic dance moves displayed on a screen while a pressure-sensitive floor pad score their accuracy.

"These kinds of games not only promote activity, but let you have a great time doing it [in] a video game," says Mark Franklin, a spokesman with Konami. In fact, home versions of DDR, even feature a "workout" mode which calculated and displayed how many calories a player burned off performing certain steps.

"For people that aren't sports minded per se but love video games this is a great way for them to get off the coach and [stay in shape]," says Franklin.

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Watch a Dancing Fool

But Konami is about to take DDR a step up with a new version called "Dance Dance Revolution Extreme."

Designed for the Sony PlayStation 2 home game system and its Sony EyeToy digital camera, the game can now actually "watch" players as they dance. The company says the movement-sensing technology will challenge and amuse DDR fans in new ways.

In one mode, for example, players will have to match displayed hand movements as well as footwork in order to advance the game. Another mode will require players to move their arms in order to clear off obstructed parts of the TV screen as they dance.

"It's a full body workout game using your hands and your feet that's never been done before," says Franklin.