Applying Exergaming Input to Standard Commercial Digital Games

Abstract

Exergaming has been shown to motivate users to adhere to exercise, encourage greater physical effort during exercise, and improve the cognitive benefits of exercise. However the benefits of exergaming have been shown to reduce as the novelty of the game wears off. Standard commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) digital games present a potential solution to this issue by offering a huge variety games. This paper reviews the current literature on the potential benefits of both standard digital games and exergaming in a fitness and healthcare context. The review also highlights a gap in the current literature, finding little research has explored the potential of combining standard COTS digital games and exergaming to provide a more engaging, motivating and enduring user experience.