Sunday, November 27, 2005

Games--Not just for youngsters anymore

Nintendo has expanded its market in Japan beyond the young gamer crowd. The game "Training for Adults: Work your Brain," which promises to help older adults ward off dementia by exercising their brains, is selling like hotcakes. According to a review on LostGarden.com the Japanese title translates as ‘Whip your brain into shape under the supervision of Professor Ryuta Kawashima of Tohoku University's Advanced Science and Technology Joint Research Center.'

The game fits a very specific niche, falling somewhere between gaming and regular software. The interface is designed to be usable by those with little computer experience, using touch screen and voice commands rather than traditional game buttons. The game is primarily quiz-based, and players are rewarded for prompt and correct answers by achieving a 'young brain' designation.

It sounds like a very interesting idea. I wonder if it'll be as much of a hit when it finally reaches the US market.

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