Fitness games generating big business for the industry

Remember that moldy stereotype that gamers are all overweight, couch-crusty adolescents? Well, we actually have financial proof that it’s not the case anymore (not that it ever was) – in a recent story at 1Up, it was revealed that the new genre of fitness games has created an incredible $2 billion in revenue. The report originally comes from the Games for Health Project, and the figure was generated in just 18 months. Holy guacamole.

Ever since Wii Fit came onto the scene in spring 2008, getting in shape with Nintendo’s wonder machine has been all the rage. The article also cites the impressive sales of the recent EA Sports Active: Personal Trainer (it sold 600,000 in just it’s first two weeks!), and the upcoming Wii Fit Plus and My Shape as the next probable big sellers.

I, for one, am happy about this trend. As a fitness enthusiast and avid gamer, I really do love the idea of working out via gaming – and though many titles have been less than stellar (ahem, Jillian Michael’s Fitness Ultimatum, I’m looking at you!), it’s still a fantastic concept. EA Sports Active is the best and most true-to-life game that’s out there – it will give you a legitimately solid workout, with a fun, slick presentation. I only hope that the newer games take after this puppy.

Read [1Up]